Libiamo ne' lieti calici

"Libiamo ne' lieti calici" (Italian pronunciation: [liˈbjamo nɛ ˈljɛti ˈkalitʃi]; "Let's drink from the joyful cup") is a famous duet with chorus from Verdi's La traviata, 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. Those who have performed it include Luciano Pavarotti, Giuseppe Di Stefano, Maria Callas, Teresa Stratas, Nino Machaidze, Plácido Domingo, Raimo Sirkiä, José Carreras, Enrico Caruso, Andrea Bocelli, Mario Frangoulis, Angela Gheorghiu, Violetta Villas, Anna Netrebko, and Tarja Turunen. The words were written by Francesco Maria Piave.

The 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.

Libretto

Italian ;Alfredo :Libiamo, libiamo ne'lieti calici :che la bellezza infiora. :E la fuggevol, fuggevol ora s'inebrii :a voluttà :Libiam ne'dolci fremiti :che suscita l'amore, :poiché quell'ochio al core onnipotente va. :Libiamo, amore, amor fra i calici :più caldi baci avrà ;Coro :Ah! Libiam, amor, fra' calici :più caldi baci avrà ;Violetta :Tra voi tra voi saprò dividere :il tempo mio giocondo; :Tutto è follia, follia nel mondo :ciò che non è piacer :Godiam, fugace e rapido :e'il gaudio dell'amore, :e'un fior che nasce e muore, :ne più si può goder :Godiamo, c'invita, c'invita un fervido :accento lusinghier. ;Coro :Godiamo, la tazza, la tazza e il cantico, :la notte abbella e il riso; :in questo, in questo paradiso ne scopra il nuovo dì ;Violetta :La vita è nel tripudio ;Alfredo :Quando non s'ami ancora ;Violetta :Nol dite a chi l'ignora, ;Alfredo :E'il mio destin così... ;Tutti :Godiamo, la tazza, la tazza e il cantico, :la notte abbella e il riso; :in questo, in questo paradiso ne scopra il nuovo dì.

English Alfredo Let's drink, let's drink from the joyous chalices that beauty so truly enhances. And the brief moment will be inebriated with voluptuousness. Let's drink for the Alternative: 'exciting shakes' or 'shudder' that love arouses. Because this all-powerful eye aims straight to the heart. Let's drink, my love, and the love among the chalices will make the kisses warmer. Chorus Ah! Let's drink, and the love among the chalices will make the kisses warmer. Violetta With you all, I can share my happiest times. Everything in life which is not pleasure is foolish. Let's enjoy ourselves for the delight of love is fleeting and quick. It's like a flower that blooms and dies And we can no longer enjoy it. So enjoy; A Literal: fervent and Alternative: adulating voice invites us! Chorus Let's enjoy the wine and the singing, the beautiful night, and the laughter. Let the new day find us in this paradise. Violetta Life means celebration. Alfredo Only if one hasn't known love. Violetta Don't tell someone who doesn't know. Alfredo But this is my fate... All Let's enjoy the wine and the singing, the beautiful night, and the laughter. Let the new day find us in this paradise.

External links

• Free sheet music of Libiamo ne'lieti calici for Piano from Cantorion.org
• Plácido Domingo and Teresa Stratas singing "The drinking song"
• Traviata music score