Libiamo ne' lieti calici

"Libiamo ne' lieti calici" (Italian pronunciation: [liˈbjaːmo nɛ ˈljɛːti ˈkaːlitʃi]; "Let's drink from the joyful cups") 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.

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

The words were written by Francesco Maria Piave.

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'occhio 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 :è il gaudio dell'amore, :è un fior che nasce e muore, :ne più si può goder :Godiamo, c'invita, c'invita un fervido :accento lusinghier. Coro :Ah! 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 :È il mio destin così... Tutti :Ah si, godiamo, la tazza, la tazza e il cantico, :la notte abbella e il riso; :in questo, in questo paradiso ne scopra il nuovo dì.

Alfredo Let's drink, let's drink from the joyous chalices that beauty so truly enhances. And may the brief moment be inebriated with voluptuousness. Let's drink for the Alternative: 'sweet shudder' or 'exciting shakes' that love arouses. Because this eye aims straight to the heart, omnipotently. 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 Literal: cup and the Literal: canticle, 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 Literal: cup and the Literal: canticle, 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" on YouTube
• Traviata music score