Libiamo ne' lieti calici
"Libiamo ne' lieti calici" (3:03)
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"Libiamo ne' lieti calici" (Italian pronunciation: [liˈbjaːmo ne 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.
 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]

References

  1. ↑ Robert Glaubitz. "The Aria Database". Retrieved 2009-01-15.
  2. ↑ Partial reference: "Translation of Brindisi: "Libiamo ne'lieti calici", from Italian to English". Retrieved 2012-09-09.
  3. ↑ Partial reference: Alejandro González Ponce. "Alfredo's aria from La Traviata". Retrieved 2009-01-15.
  4. ↑ Partial reference: "Libiamo ne' lieti calici lyrics". Retrieved 2009-01-15.
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