La Traviata

Act One

Violetta Valéry, a courtesan, is hosting an exquisite party to celebrate her recovery from a long illness. Gastone, one of Violetta's friends, introduces her to Alfredo Germont, and explains that, while Violetta does not remember, Alfredo actually visited every day through her illness. Such affection is unusual for Violetta and she is touched, as a nervous Alfredo finally introduces himself to her. She thanks Alfredo for his attention, and comments that it was more than Barone Douphol offered throughout her illness. Embarrassed, Douphol tries to make an excuse that they have only known each other a year, and further embarrasses himself.

Changing the subject, Violetta calls for a toast. Douphol refuses, so everyone asks the newest member of their social group to provide one, and Alfredo accepts. He sings of the joy and happiness of living a life of pure freedom and joy, and the whole party joins in with him (Libiamo ne' lieti calici).

Strains of dancing music are heard from