Finding an invitation that Flora had sent Violetta, Alfredo’s worst nightmare that Violetta would go back to the Baron has come true.įlora and her lover, the Marquis, are throwing a party full of naughty entertainment for the most important aristocracy in Paris. Alfredo is stricken with grief at the loss of Violetta, and when his father tries to persuade him to return to his family, Alfredo refuses. A messenger returns with Violetta’s letter of farewell. Pretending to leave so as not to be present during the meeting of father and son, Violetta goes out. Alfredo, not realizing his father has already arrived, explains that Germont has written him a severe letter but he feels sure his father will approve of Violetta as soon as he sees her. Germont finally convinces Violetta, who agrees to leave Alfredo forever, and is writing to Alfredo as he returns. Germont reminds Violetta that their bond is not blessed by the church, nor would produce a legitimate family and in fact, would ruin any social standing Alfredo’s middle-class family has. He asks her to give up Alfredo, explaining that their relationship is endangering the impending marriage of Alfredo’s younger sister. When Germont comments on the luxury of the country retreat, Violetta shows him the papers that have been prepared for the sale of her possessions. Violetta receives an unexpected visitor, Giorgio Germont. Alfredo suddenly understands the sacrifices that Violetta has made in order to live with him and leaves for Paris, determined not to be shamed by her monetary support. Annina, Violetta’s maid and confidante, enters and tells Alfredo she has been sent to arrange the sale of Violetta’s property, which must be sold to pay their debts. Violetta is living with Alfredo in the country, having abandoned her life as the most desired woman in Paris. When her guests have gone, Violetta imagines Alfredo’s proffered love-the one forbidden thing for any courtesan-but finally rejects love, declaring that she must remain forever free to pass from pleasure to pleasure. Alfredo joyously accepts and bids her goodnight. Violetta tells him his love won’t last but gives him a flower, bidding him return when it has withered. Alfredo stays behind and confesses that he has been in love with her for a year. Later, as the others go to another room to dance, Violetta is overcome by a fainting spell. Alfredo accepts the invitation and sings an impassioned tribute to beauty and love. Violetta’s lover Baron Douphol is angered by the conversation and refuses to propose a toast when invited to by Gastone. Gastone arrives and presents his friend, Alfredo Germont, telling Violetta that Alfredo has long been a silent admirer, calling every day during her illness to ask about her. A party is taking place at the home of Violetta Valéry, the most famous courtesan in all of Paris.
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