La Traviata

Question 1

Genre, Language, # of acts, Structure of Scenes and which to study

Answer 1

Opera, Italian, 3, 1-2-1, Act 2 Scene 2

Question 2

Translation of Title, Source of Text, Librettist, Premiere Date/Location

Answer 2

The Lost One, A play by Alexander Dumas entitled La dame aux camélias that he adapted from his novel of the same name, Franceso Maria Piave, 1853 at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice

Question 3

Main characters:

Answer 3

Violetta Valéry, Coloratura soprano, a courtesan; Alfredo Germont, tenor, a young aristocrat; Giorgio Germont, baritone, Alfredo’s father; Baron Douphol, baritone, Violetta’s lover; Flora Bervoix, mezzo-soprano, Violetta’s friend

Question 4

Summary of Act 1, Act 2 scene 1:

Answer 4

Violetta hosts a lavish party, her vivacious manner masking her declining health. She meets Alfredo Germont and rewards with a camellia flower for his declaration of love. She wonders if love can be simple and pure and dedicates herself to the pursuit of pleasure. Some time later in Act 2, Violetta and Alfredo enjoy an idyllic life away from their frenzied lives in Paris. But unbeknowst to Alfredo, his father Giorgio stops by and convinces Violetta to leave his son to save their family’s reputation. When Alfredo ses her gone, he assumes she left him and reuturned to Paris with her former lover Baron Douphol.

Question 5

Summary of Act 2 scene 2, Act 3:

Answer 5

Violetta is seen escorted by the baron at a party in her friend Flora’s home. She wishes to speak privately to Alfredo, but when he arrives, she fears he with duel the baron on her behalf and lose. To avoid this, she lies about her love for the baron and Alfredo then scorns and humiliates her in front of the guests, causing he rto collapse in Flora’s arms. The guests refute Alfredo and tell him to leave at once and his father scolds him for his cruelty, while reflecting on Violetta’s true motives. Violetta tells Alfredo he will one day understand the reason for her actions. Finally, in Act 3, A dying Violetta on her deathbed from tuberculosis learns Giorgio is ready to give his blessing for her to be with Alfredo. The two Germonts arrive to see Violetta sing one last aria dreaming of her happy future with Alfredo before collapsing and dying in his arms

Question 6

Violetta and Alfredo’s exchange: A riveting ___ violin ____ leads to an ominous _____ chord played by the full orchestra __, introducing Violetta’s ___ solo line, beginning with the opening line of her ____

Answer 6

Ascending, Passage, Bb diminished seventh, ff, Agitated, Recitative

Question 7

Violetta and Alfredo’s exchange: A flurry of now ____ 16ths in the violins announces Alfredo’s ___, and a ___ exchange between the two unfold. ___ by ___, Alfredo sing a broadly ___ phrase suggesting both his ___ and reckless ___

Answer 7

Descending, Entrance, Passionate, Doubled, Woodwinds, Arched, Jealousy, Bravado

Question 8

Alfredo’s Denunciation: The ___ of the key (____) underscores Alfredo’s ___, in contrast to the guests’ upcoming scorn

Answer 8

Simplicity, C major, Self-righteousness

Question 9

Guests’ Reaction: The key ___ shifts to a ___ mode and solo suddenly turns to an overwhelming ___, and the ___ chorus and orchestra convey ___ ___ of Alfredo’s actions

Answer 9

Suddenly, Minor, Chorus, Unison, Furious disapproval

Question 10

Giorgo’s Response: Giorgo enters after the guests and ___ and ___ condemns his son’s ___ behavior towards Violetta.

Answer 10

Passionately, Sternly, Callous

Question 11

Alfredo’s Remorse: Alfredo then sings in ___, ___ phrases, reflecting his ___ and ___

Answer 11

Short, Breathless, Agitation, Remorse

Question 12

Violetta’s Message: Finally, the orchestra calms down by ____ and ___ down, as Violetta sings a caressing __ ___ melody that soars above the soft ___ of the crowd

Answer 12

Quieting, Slowing, Belo Canto, Murmurings