LA TRAVIATA (THE FALLEN WOMAN) is based on La Dame aux cam�lias (1852), a play adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas fils. The opera was originally titled Violetta, after the main character. Piave and Verdi wanted to follow Dumas in giving the opera a contemporary setting, but the authorities at La Fenice insisted that it be set in the past, ca. 1700. It was not until the 1880�s that the composer�s and librettist�s original wishes were carried out and �realistic� productions were staged. La Traviata has become immensely popular and is among the most frequently performed of all operas. In the Act 3 duet "Parigi, o cara", Violetta and her lover Alfredo sing about their dreams, to be tragically unfulfilled, of a future beyond Paris that they hope to share together. Instrumentation: 1+Picc.2.2.2: 4.2.3.1: Timp: Str (4.4.3.3.3 in set): Soli SST.