"Libiamo ne' lieti calici" (Italian pronunciation: [liˈbjamo nɛ ˈljɛti ˈkalitʃi]; "Let's drink from the joyful cup") is a famous duet with chorus from Verdi's La traviata, one of the best-known opera melodies and a popular performance choice (as is this opera itself) for many great tenors. The song is a brindisi, a lively song that encourages the drinking of wine or other alcoholic beverages. Those who have performed it include Luciano Pavarotti, Giuseppe Di Stefano, Maria Callas, Teresa Stratas, Nino Machaidze, Plácido Domingo, Raimo Sirkiä, José Carreras, Enrico Caruso, Andrea Bocelli, Mario Frangoulis, Angela Gheorghiu, Violetta Villas, Anna Netrebko, and Tarja Turunen. The words were written by Francesco Maria Piave.
The duet is performed in the first act of the opera, during a late-night party at Violetta Valéry's house. It is sung by Violetta and Alfredo Germont, a young man who is in love with her. Alfredo is convinced by his friend Gastone and by Violetta to show off his voice. He begins this drinking song, later joined by Violetta and the rest of the company.[1]
