opera

[margaretta]

Does anyone know why the drinking aria,"Libiamo" in Verdi's la Traviata is known as "Brindisi"? Brindisi is a place in Italy, but what is the connection? I have long been curious about this.

[Fitzer]

According to Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brindisi_(music) it's because all drinking songs are so called as a corruption of a German expression

[margaretta]

Many thanks, that has satisfed my curiosity.
Margaretta

[eyethenkyew]

margaretta,

A "brindisi" is quite simply an Italian word for a "toast", hence its inclusion in 'La Traviata' when the characters 'Alfredo' and 'Violetta begin it, and the chorus then join in.

Other operas also containing a "brindisi", for example, are:
'Macbeth' / 'Otello' / 'Cavalleria Rusticana' / 'Lucrezia Borgia'.

[margaretta]

Grazie molto! "Toast" makes more sense, and is obviously more appropriate than a distorted German phrase. Rather creepy...... Shortly after I left my computer early this afternoon, I heard Pavarotti singing the very aria on Classic FM!
Margaretta.

[eyethenkyew]

Yes, the late great Luciano: It must have been quite a few years ago when he played the part of the young hero of La Traviata, 'Alfredo'?

His passing several years ago is still much lamented - what a talent! Glad to help.

[pusskin]

I saw the great luciano in concert about 10yrs ago? at the Albert hall.

I silently cried nearly all the way it . I was mesmerised by that lovely voice .

[margaretta]

Pavarotti's successor should be Juan Diego Flores.....I have never heard such amazing singing.......an incredible voice, and he is still a young man. I think he will go to the top (in more ways than one) in the world of opera.