The 'Brindisi' (drinking song) from 'La Traviata' performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a pivotal moment in Verdi's opera that embodies the themes of pleasure, the ephemeral nature of love, and the importance of living in the moment. Characters Alfredo and Violetta, along with the rest of the ensemble, celebrate life's joys and the intoxicating power of love through the metaphor of wine and revelry, encouraging each other to enjoy the fleeting happiness love provides before it fades away.
The emotional journey of 'La Traviata' begins with Alfredo's call to celebrate the beauty that blossoms around them, and he invites everyone to drink from the cup of life's delights. Alfredo and Violetta's mutual attraction is palpable as they sing about the heat of love that comes with sharing a drink, and this captures the essence of the revelry and connections being made.
As the ensemble echoes Alfredo's call to 'libiamo' or drink, there's a chorus of agreement on celebrating the moment. The atmosphere is vibrant, filled with anticipation and the communal spirit of joyous indulgence. The act of drinking together, and the warm kisses that follow, draw the revelers closer, symbolizing the descent into a state of pleasure and the triumph of love over all.
Violetta's verses reveal a deeper layer to this celebration. She speaks of the world's folly, where anything that isn't pleasurable is madness. Embracing this philosophy, she encourages everyone to relish the swift, fleeting joy of love, which blooms and dies as quickly as a flower. Her sentiments resonate with an understanding that life's bliss is brief and should be seized with fervor.
The company's response to Violetta's acknowledgement of love's transience is to further immerse themselves in the pleasures of the night. In this paradise, they wish to forget the dawn of a new day, seeking to extend their ecstasy indefinitely. Alfredo and Violetta's brief exchange underscores the idea that life should be lived joyously, especially when untouched by the complications of love, hinting at the evolving relationship between the two and the heartache that may follow in the story.
"Libiamo, libiamo ne'lieti calici che la belleza infiora"
The line, when translated, means 'Let's drink from the joyful cups that beauty adorns.' It serves as an invitation to indulge in life's beauties and pleasures, much like enjoying the finest wine.
"E la fuggevol ora s'inebrii a voluttà"
Translated as 'And let the fleeting hour be inebriated by voluptuousness,' this line reflects the desire to become lost in the moment of sensual pleasure and joy.
"Tra voi saprò dividere il tempo mio giocondo"
Violetta's words, translating to 'With you, I will share my merry time,' represent her willingness to spend the joyful moments of her life with those around her.
"Godiam, la tazza e il cantico la notte abbella e il riso"
This line, meaning 'Let's enjoy, the cup and the singing beautify the night and laughter,' highlights the emphasis on savoring the beauty and happiness that the night offers.