"Libiamo ne' lieti calici" (Italian pronunciation: [liˈbjaːmo ne ˈljɛːti ˈkaːlitʃi]; "Let's drink from the joyful cups") is a famous duet with chorus from Giuseppe Verdi's La traviata (1853), one of the best-known opera melodies and a popular performance choice (as is this opera itself) for many great tenors. The song is a brindisi, a lively song that encourages the drinking of wine or other alcoholic beverages.
Scene
The duet is performed in the first act of the opera, during a late-night party at Violetta Valéry's house. It is sung by Violetta and Alfredo Germont, a young man who is in love with her. Alfredo is convinced by his friend Gastone and by Violetta to show off his voice. He begins this drinking song, later joined by Violetta and the rest of the company.[1]
The piece is written in B-flat major, its time signature is 3/8, and the tempo is marked Allegretto, ){kind=small}
. = 69.[2]
Libretto
Francesco Maria Piave wrote the text.
References
- ^ Robert Glaubitz. "The Aria Database". Retrieved 2009-01-15.
- ^ La traviata. Mila: Ricordi. 1914. pp. 31–47.
- ^ "Translation of Brindisi: "Libiamo ne'lieti calici", from Italian to English". Retrieved 2012-09-09.; Alejandro González Ponce. "Alfredo's aria from La traviata". Retrieved 2009-01-15.; "'Libiamo ne' lieti calici' lyrics". Retrieved 2009-01-15.
External links
- "Libiamo ne' lieti calici" on YouTube; Renata Tebaldi and Gianni Poggi duet on 1954
- "Libiamo ne' lieti calici", piano-vocal score, Italian and English, William and Gayle Cook Music Library, Indiana University School of Music