I usually recommend Carmen as the perfect first opera. Its melodies have been used in popular culture so much so that they are familiar to most of us. But Verdi’s La Traviata may be an even more perfect first opera. Why? Like Carmen it contains memorable music, thrilling choruses, a story that is contemporary—and the best part for newcomers—it’s not too long. In fact it only runs a bit over two hours; Carmen’s length is about two hours, 45 minutes. But compare that with Wagner’s Gotterdammerung, twice as long—over 4 hours—you can clearly see that if you’re considering exploring opera for the first time, La Traviata may be your ticket.
The opera is based on Alexandre Dumas’ 1848 novel “La Dame aux camellias,” which was adapted for the stage in 1852. Verdi attended a performance of the play in 1852 and immediately started writing the opera which premiered on March 6, 1853.
La Traviata, (in English “The Fallen Woman”) contains so many universal emotions—new love, pain of betrayal and the tragedy of loss—that it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. In fact it was the most performed opera worldwide in 2013.
Here’s a really quick synopsis of the opera: Violetta is a high-class prostitute. Alfredo, who doesn’t know her past, meets her and falls in love. Violetta at first has no interest in love, but moves in with Alfredo. When his father visits, knowing Violetta’s past, he asks Violetta to break up with Alfredo. She breaks up with him but doesn’t explain why, so Alfredo loses his trust in Violetta. Alfredo’s father finally tells him the truth and he rushes back to Violetta, only to find her dying of a serious illness. Alfredo asks for forgiveness, they swear to be together, but Violetta breathes her last breath.
From the very beginning you’re immediately sucked in. You’re at a party where Violetta and Alfredo meet for the first time. They sing the raucous “Brindisi” or drinking song (you’ll recognize it). As the first act ends we learn that Violetta needs her freedom as she sings “Sempre libera” (Always free).
In Act II Alfredo sings of their happy life together “De’ miei bollenti spiriti” (Ardor of my ebullient spirits) as does Violetta “Amami, Alfredo, amami quant’io t’amo” (Love me, Alfredo, love me as I love you).
In Act Three Violetta sings “Addio, del passato bei sogni ridenti” (Farewell, lovely, happy dreams of the past). It ends with both Alfredo and Violetta singing “Gran Dio!…morir sì giovane” (Great God!…to die so young).
La Traviata—a cornerstone of the repertory—is littered with great tunes that are familiar to even those who aren’t versed in opera. The storyline was even the basis for the movie Pretty Woman. In the movie as in the opera, the character of Vivan/Violetta—are hookers with good hearts—who both meet up with the right guy. They both have to think about the difference between their place in polite society and that of their new boyfriends.
The heartbreak of La Traviata has been drawing tears for more than 150 years; this glorious agony is awaiting New Orleans.
La Traviata, Mahalia Jackson Theatre, Friday, October 9, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 11, 2015 – 2:30 p.m. For more information call 504-267-9523.
