Synopsis

Act I

There is a great party in the house of Violetta Valéry, a well-known prostitute: this is how she stifles the anguish that torments her, since she knows that her health is gravely undermined. A nobleman, Gastone, introduces to her his friend Alfredo, who sincerely admires her. The interest Violetta shows for the new acquaintance, does not escape the attention of Duphol, her current lover. He refuses to propose a toast. Alfredo then accepts the invitation and leads the guests in a tribute to beauty and love.

Violetta asks her guests to go ahead and to leave her to rest until she recovers. While the guests dance in the next room, Violetta looks at her pale face in her mirror. Alfredo enters and expresses his concern for her fragile health, later declaring his love for her. Violetta gives him a flower, a camellia: she will see Alfredo again when the flower has withered. The festivities concluded, Violetta has to admit that for the first time, she has truly fallen in love.

Act II – Scene 1

Alfredo and Violetta are living together in a peaceful country house outside Paris. Violetta has completely abandoned her former life. Annina, the maid, arrives from Paris, and, when questioned by Alfredo, tells him that she went there to sell the horses, carriages and everything owned by Violetta to support their country lifestyle.

Alfredo is shocked and leaves for Paris immediately to settle matters himself. Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont, is announced and demands that she break off her relationship with his son for the sake of his family, since he reveals that Violetta’s relationship with Alfredo has threatened his daughter’s engagement because of Violetta’s reputation. Meanwhile, reluctantly, he becomes impressed by Violetta’s nobility, something which he did not expect from a courtesan. With growing remorse, she finally agrees, inwardly disintegrated.

Violetta sends the acceptance of the party invitation to her friend Flora Bervoix and, as she is writing a farewell letter to Alfredo, he enters. She can barely control her sadness and tears; she tells him repeatedly of her unconditional love. Before rushing out and setting off for Paris, she hands the farewell letter to her servant to give to Alfredo.

The moment Alfredo has read the letter, Giorgio returns and attempts to comfort his son, reminding him of his family in Provence. Alfredo suspects the Baron is behind his separation with Violetta, and the party invitation, which he finds on her desk, strengthens his suspicions. He rushes out towards Paris.

Act II – Scene 2

At her soirée that evening, Flora learns from the Marquis that Violetta and Alfredo have parted, then clears the floor for hired entertainers – a band of fortune-telling Gypsies and some matadors who sing of Piquillo and his coy sweetheart. Soon Alfredo strides in, making bitter comments about love and gambling recklessly at cards. Violetta has arrived with Baron Douphol, who challenges Alfredo to a game and loses a small fortune to him. Everyone goes in to supper, but Violetta has asked Alfredo to see her. Fearful of the Baron’s anger, she wants Alfredo to leave, but he misunderstands her apprehension and demands that she admit she loves Douphol. Crushed, she pretends she does. Overcome by rage, Alfredo publicly denounces his former love and hurls his winnings at her feet. She faints and Alfredo.s father, who has just arrived in search of his son, furiously reproaches Alfredo for his dishonourable conduct.

Act III

The illness undermining Violetta’s health has worsened considerably. Violetta is confined to her bed, too weak to rise. A letter from Germont arrives: finally, he has decided to explain everything to his son and also announced his arrival.

Violetta is incredibly happy, but, for her, there is no more time; she fears she will not last until his arrival. But at last, there he is, at her side. His father has also come, profoundly regretting his conduct. Tuberculosis kills Violetta before their eyes, in an atmosphere of extreme sorrow, softened only by the delicacy and purity of their emotions.