Libiamo ne' lieti calici

"Libiamo ne' lieti calici" (Italian pronunciation: [liˈbjaːmo ne ˈljɛːti ˈkaːlitʃi]; "Let's drink from the joyful cups") is a famous duet with chorus from Giuseppe Verdi's La traviata (1853), one of the best-known opera melodies and a popular performance choice (as is this opera itself) for many great tenors and sopranos. The song is a brindisi, a lively song that encourages the drinking of wine or other alcoholic beverages.

"Libiamo ne' lieti calici" (3:06)

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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.^[1]

The piece is written in B-flat major, its time signature is 3/8, and the tempo is marked Allegretto,  . = 69.^[2]

Libretto

Francesco Maria Piave wrote the text.

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. Flora, Gastone, Barone, Dottore, Marchese, 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. Godiam, c'invita, c'invita un fervido accento lusinghier. Flora, Gastone, Barone, Dottore, Marchese, coro: Ah, godiamo, la tazza, la tazza e il cantico, le notti 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, godiamo, la tazza, la tazza e il cantico, le notti abbella e il riso; in questo, in questo paradiso ne scopra il nuovo dì. Ah, ah, ne scopra il dì. (Ne sco, il no, il novo dì.) Ah, ah, ne scopra il dì. (Ne sco, il no, il novo dì.) Ah, sì... (Sì, ne scopra, ne scopra il nuovo dì...)^[3]

Alfredo Let's drink, let's drink from the joyous chalices that beauty blossoms. And may the fleeting moment be elated with voluptuousness. Let's drink from the sweet thrills that love arouses, because that eye aims straight to the almighty heart. Let's drink, my love: the love among chalices will have warmer kisses. Flora, Gastone, Barone, Dottore, Marchese, Chorus Ah, let's drink, my love: the love among chalices will have warmer kisses. Violetta With you, with you I'll be able to share my cheerful times. Everything is foolish in the world which is not pleasure. Let's enjoy ourselves, for fleeting and quick the delight of love is: it's a flower that blooms and dies and can no longer be enjoyed. Let's enjoy ourselves, fervent flattering voice invites us. Flora, Gastone, Barone, Dottore, Marchese, Chorus Ah, let's enjoy the cup, the cup and the chants, the embellished nights and the laughter; let the new day find us in this paradise. Violetta: Life means celebration. Alfredo: If one hasn't known love. Violetta: Don't tell someone who doesn't know. Alfredo: But this is my fate. All Ah, let's enjoy the cup, the cup and the chants, the embellished night and the laughter; let the new day find us in this paradise. Ah, ah, let the new day find us. (We shall let the new day find us.) Ah, ah, let the new day find us. (We shall let the new day find us.) Ah, yes... (Yes, we shall let, we shall let the new day find us...)^[4]

References

1. Robert Glaubitz. "The Aria Database". Retrieved 2009-01-15.
2. La traviata. Milan: Ricordi. 1914. pp. 31–47.
3. "Act 1". La traviata  (in Italian) – via Wikisource.
4. "Translation of Brindisi: "Libiamo ne'lieti calici", from Italian to English". Retrieved 2012-09-09.; Alejandro González Ponce. "Alfredo's aria from La traviata". Retrieved 2009-01-15.; "'Libiamo ne' lieti calici' lyrics". Retrieved 2009-01-15.

External links

• "Libiamo ne' lieti calici" on YouTube; Renata Tebaldi and Gianni Poggi duet on 1954
• "Libiamo ne' lieti calici", piano–vocal score, Italian and English, William and Gayle Cook Music Library, Indiana University School of Music