La Traviata - Act Two, Scene Two Flashcards
Answer the following: Genre First performance Language English Translation of the Title Source of text Librettist Structure
opera, first performed in 1853, Italian, The Lost one, based on a play by Alexandre Dumas entitled La dame aux camélias (the Lady of the Camellias), that the author adapted from his novel of the same name
Librettist was Fracesco Maria Piave, and the structure is 3 acts.
Name the principal characters and their voice types.
Violetta Valery (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) - Violetta's friend
Give a summary of the plot in Act one.
Act one takes place in Paris at the home of Violetta Valery. She is one of the reigning beauties of her day, and is hosting a lavish party. Her health is declining due to developing tuberculosis, but she masks this with a gregarious personality. Alfredo Germont declares his love for her and she awards him a camellia flower to remember her by. After everyone leaves she is still touched by Germont and wonders about the nature of love. She decides to dedicate her life to the pursuit of pleasure.
Describe Act Two. Where does it take place? What happens?
Scene Two takes place in a country house near Paris. Violetta and Alfredo Germont enjoy an idyllic existence far from their frienzied lives in Paris. Unexpectedly Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father shows up and convinces Violetta to leave his son alone and save their family’s reputation. When Alfredo finds Violetta gone, he assumes that she has moved on from their affair and returned to her usual life with sweetheart Baron Douphol. The scene changes back to Paris, where Violetta enjoys an extravagant party at the home of Flora Bervoix. She is escorted by Baron Douphol. Alfredo arrives and intends to avenge his honor.
Describe Act Three.
Violetta is in her apartment, lying on her death bed due to the escalating severity of her tuburculosis. Giorgio had a hcange of heart and is ready to give his blessing to her relationship with Alfredo. They arrive, but little time is left. Violetta dreams of the happy future she will have with Alfredo but collapses and dies in his arms.
