Violeta is one of the most iconic heroines of opera. However, The premiere of La Traviata scandalized due to its criticism of the bourgeoisie and its vices, resulting in initial failure. This work, based on a contemporary text, anticipates realistic school dramas. The score shows Verdi at his finest: with dramatically effective and innovative music in harmony, melody and rhythm. The prelude is exemplary, alluding to both Violeta's frivolous life and the central themes of love and death. Verdi breaks musical patterns by starting with the image of the protagonist's death, then going through their sufferings, her love for Alfredo and, finally, the carefree Parisian party.
The success of the opera lies in its vocal beauty, especially in the role of Violeta, that evolves from deep and almost suicidal, highlighting virtuosity and lyricism in the last act for its psychological intensity. Although it is not without conventions, The work shines for its melodic richness and emotionally charged recitatives., becoming an unfairly underestimated milestone.
Original version in Italian with Spanish surtitles.
