La Traviata

Probably the most famous of Verdi’s opera and the progenitor of the sex worker with the heart of gold trope.

Synopsis

Violetta Valery is a courtesan in Paris. Her admirer, Alfredo Germont, wins her heart. Their time together is happy but brief. She is dying of tuberculosis. In the country estate, Alfredo’s father comes to beg Violetta to break up with his son. Due to the scandal of their relationship, his daughter can no longer marry.

Nobly, Violetta Valery agrees though lies to Alfredo of why she left him. Alfredo, thinking that Violetta went back to her ex, followers her to a party. He publicly humiliates her by throwing cash at her.

He later learns of her condition and the reason for her leaving him. At her deathbed, they reconcile. She dies.

Why I love it

1. Beautiful, beautiful music. Act 2 duet with Alfredo’s father and Violetta is just amazing
2. Most noble heroine of the opera world for sure.

What I think it’s overrated

1. The entirety of Act 1. I dislike the Brindsi scene and I also don’t like Sempre Libera