Libiamo

Libiamo ne' lieti calici, known more commonly as the "Brindisi" or "Drinking Song," is a well-known chorus from Giuseppe Verdi's opera La traviata. Composed in 1853, it is sung by the characters Alfredo Germont and Violetta Valéry at the beginning of the second act. The song is a celebration of love, life, and revelry, inviting listeners to join in a toast.

The lyrics, set to Verdi's lively and memorable melody, speak of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of enjoying pleasures in the present moment. Alfredo initiates the song with an invitation to drink, and Violetta responds with her own verse, echoing the sentiment. The duet is characterized by its infectious energy and calls for general participation, as the other guests at the party join in the chorus.

The Brindisi has become one of the most recognizable and frequently performed pieces from La traviata, often appearing in concert programs and operatic galas. Its themes of joyous celebration and the embrace of life's pleasures resonate with audiences worldwide, making it a staple of the operatic repertoire. The song's popularity extends beyond the opera house, frequently heard in popular culture and at social gatherings.