LA TRAVIATA (The Fallen Woman) is based on La Dame aux camlias (1852), a play adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas fils. The opera was originally titled VIOLETTA, after the main character. Librettist Maria Piave and composer Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) 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. Instrumentation: 2(both dPicc).2.2.2: 4.2.3.1: Timp.Perc(2): Hp: Str (4.4.3.3.3 in set): Banda (Picc, 2 PiccCl, 2 Cl, 2 Hn, 3 Tpt, Flic, 2 Tbn, Tuba, Tamb): Vocal Soli (12 roles, SSATTTBBBBBB): Chorus. Reprint edition.