"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.[1]
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.
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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 ecstatic feeling
- 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 keen and flattering
- 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.[2][3][4]
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References
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External links
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