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Lyric Duet from the Musical HYPATIA
Violetta, in the opera "La Traviata" by Guiseppe Verdi, is a beautiful but sickly Parisian courtesan, who has fallen in love with Alfredo. She leaves him when his bourgeoisie father claims that her reputation might destroy his daughter's chance for marriage. It is not until she is on her deathbed that Alfredo forgives her .
In my musical HYPATIA, great opera heroines are released from their tragic deaths in the Old Diva's Dream. Hypatia, Crown Priestess of Destiny, takes them on a journey in which they must confront their composers and ask that their greatest wishes come true.
When Violetta confronts Verdi at his Italian villa, she wants him to create a day of love with Alfredo outside her opera. He agrees if she will give him an evening's embrace. Violetta argues that she is no longer a courtesan, but satisfies him so that her wish can come true.
SCENE: The backdrop of a lush forest is lit by rays of a Spring dawn. Mist rises from the forest floor giving the set a dreamlike quality. Alfredo rests pensively on a rock overlooking a stream. Far off in the distance we hear Violetta's voice.
VIOLETTA
Alfredo! Alfredo!
Alfredo jumps up startled. Violetta runs like a deer, her feet barely touching the ground. She and Alfredo embrace and kiss passionately.
ALFREDO
My love - how could I have lived without you?
VIOLETTA
Did you think that I would ever return?
ALFREDO
I waited and waited, but I never gave up hope.
VIOLETTA
I am yours Alfredo! Verdi has given us this one
day together, forever.
ALFREDO
Then we will spend our whole lives in this one day. Forever.
As they sing, Alfredo releases doves from a cage that fly to the sky.
VIOLETTA AND ALFREDO (Sing Duet)
I trust your hands
I trust your kiss
In your touch I remember
The youth that passed us by
The opera in which our love was bond
Tore us apart, destroyed our happiness
Both betrayed by social codes
Your death was the final blow
When light flickers and dies in the night
In my caress you searched for a dream
By blue waters cooled by the moon
Our hearts will be transformed
Bound by our roles and ancient mores
We have this one moment
I trust your hands
I trust your kiss
In your touch I remember
The youth that passed us by
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