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La traviata opera is a very popular opera that has been divided into three acts that are by Giuseppe Verdi. It has been set to an Italian libretto tat had been given by Francesco Maria Piave. It can easily be called an adaptation of the novel titled La dame aux Camlias that had been penned by Alexandre Dumas. It had been published for the very first time in the year 1848. It had been performed for the first time at the venue of the Teatro la Fenice in Venice on the 6th of March in the year 1853.
The title "La Traviata" can roughly be translated in the English language as meaning “The Woman Who Strayed.” In fact it is also perceived by many to have the meaning of “The Fallen One” in the figurative sense. Piave and Verdi have both always been ardent followers of and have wanted to follow Dumas in order to give the opera a much contemporary setting. In spite of this the authorities that are in power at the La Fenice had insisted that it should be set in the past. It was not for another few years until the desire of the composer's and the librettist's were fulfilled and carried out. Nevertheless it has become much popular and can be considered as a staple of the typical operatic repertoire. Its popularity can be judged from the fact that it has acquired the third spot on Opera America's list of the 20 most-performed operas in the entire North America. It falls behind only Madama Butterfly and La bohme.
The first act of the opera begins in the salon that is situated in Violetta's house. Violetta Valery is a character that is a famed courtesan and is popular for throwing lavish parties. She throws one such party at her Paris salon that is given for the celebration of her recovery that she has made from a recent illness. Gastone is the character of a count, who is attending the party with a friend, who is a young nobleman, named Alfredo Germont. The later has been an admirer of Violetta for a very long time.
While walking to the salon, Gastone tells Violetta that Alfredo loves her so much and, while she was ill, he came to her house every day. Alfredo joins them, admitting the truth of Gastone's remarks. Violetta replies to Alfredo, "I’m indebted to you".The Baron stands not very far from the place of the party, and he is ready to escort Violetta to the salon. But Victoria comes to him and says that the Baron had never cared very much for him. The Baron gives the reply that he had only been acquainted with her for an year and not more. Violetta gives a glare to the Alfredo and goes on to say that she had just met him around a minute ago. When at the salon, the Baron is asked that he give a toast, but he does not adhere to the request and refuses. Then the crowd turns to Alfredo.
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