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Violetta's scene and aria "È strano... Sempre libera" from La Traviata, Act I.
Composer: Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901).
Libretto: Francesco Maria Piave (1810-1876).
Premiere: 6 March 1853, Teatro La Fenice, Venezia.
/Synopsis
Violetta Valéry knows that she will die soon, exhausted by her restless life as a courtesan. At a party she is introduced to Alfredo Germont, who has been fascinated by her for a long time. Rumor has it that he has been enquiring after her health every day. The guests are amused by this seemingly naïve and emotional attitude, and they ask Alfredo to propose a toast. He celebrates true love, and Violetta responds in praise of free love (Ensemble: “Libiamo ne’ lieti calici”). She is touched by his candid manner and honesty. Suddenly she feels faint, and the guests withdraw. Only Alfredo remains behind and declares his love (Duet: “Un dì felice”). There is no place for such feelings in her life, Violetta replies. But she gives him a camellia, asking him to return when the flower has faded. He realizes this means he will see her again the following day. Alone, Violetta is torn by conflicting emotions-she doesn’t want to give up her way of life, but at the same time she feels that Alfredo has awakened her desire to be truly loved (“Ah, fors’è lui… Sempre libera”).
/Lyrics
È strano, è strano!
In core scolpiti ho quegli accenti!
Sarìa per me sventura un serio amore?
Che risolvi, o turbata anima mia?
Null'uomo ancora t'accendeva:
O gioia ch'io non conobbi,
Essere amata amando!
E sdegnarla poss'io
Per l'aride follie del viver mio?
Ah, fors'è lui che l'anima
Solinga ne' tumulti
Godea sovente pingere
De' suoi colori occulti!
Lui che modesto e vigile
All'egre soglie ascese,
E nuova febbre accese,
Destandomi all'amor.
Ah, quell'amor ch'è palpito
Dell'universo intero,
Misterioso, altero,
Croce e delizia al cor!
Follie, follie! Delirio vano è questo!
Povera donna, sola
Abbandonata in questo
Popoloso deserto
Che appellano Parigi,
Che spero or più?
Che far degg'io?
Gioire,
Di voluttà nei vortici perire!
Sempre libera degg'io
Folleggiare di gioia in gioia,
Vo' che scorra il viver mio
Pei sentieri del piacer.
Nasca il giorno, o il giorno muoia,
Sempre lieta ne' ritrovi.
A diletti sempre nuovi
Dee volare il mio pensier.