Lyrics and Translation of "Addio Del Passato" From "La Traviata"

Violetta's Heartbreaking Aria From "La Traviata"

Violetta in La Traviata
Claudia Boyle as Violetta Valery in English National Opera's production of La Traviata.

Robbie Jack/Getty Images 

Giuseppe Verdi's opera La Traviata tells the story of courtesan Violetta Valery, who finds love unexpectedly even as she is dying of tuberculosis. "Addio del Passato" is the aria Violetta sings as she realizes she has lost her battle with her illness.

One of the world's most popular operas, La Traviata is based on the novel "La Dame aux Camelias" by Alexandre Dumas, fils (son of the author of "The Three Musketeers" and "Man in the Iron Mask."), and premiered in Venice in 1853. 

The Plot of La Traviata

The opera opens in Violetta's apartment, she is celebrating her recovery from a recent illness. The devoted Alfredo visited every day to check on her and finally confesses his love. After initially rejecting him, Violetta is touched by his deep affection for her.

She gives up her life as a courtesan to move to the country with him, but his father Giorgio persuades her to leave Alfredo; their relationship is complicating the engagement of Alfredo's sister. 

After an ugly scene, the two-part, but Alfredo later learns of Violetta's sacrifice. He returns to find her on her deathbed, and she dies in his arms.

Violetta Sings "Addio del Passato"

Violetta sings this heartbreaking aria in the third act, after she receives a letter from Giorgio, telling her that his son has discovered the true reason for her departure and is traveling to her home to be with her. Knowing she has lost her battle with tuberculosis, she sings this aria as a farewell to her happiness and future with Alfredo.

Italian Lyrics to "Addio del Passato"

Addio, del passato bei sogni ridenti,
Le rose del volto già son pallenti;
L'amore d'Alfredo pur esso mi manca,
Conforto, sostegno dell'anima stanca
Ah, della traviata sorridi al desio;
A lei, deh, perdona; tu accoglila, o Dio,
Or tutto finì.
Le gioie, i dolori tra poco avran fine,
La tomba ai mortali di tutto è confine!
Non lagrima o fiore avrà la mia fossa,
Non croce col nome che copra quest'ossa!
Ah, della traviata sorridi al desio;
A lei, deh, perdona; tu accoglila, o Dio,
Or tutto finì.

English Lyrics to "Addio del Passato"

Farewell, happy dreams of the past,
The rosiness in my cheeks has already gone pale;
The love of Alfredo I will miss,
Comfort, support my tired soul
Ah, the misguided desire to smile;
God pardon and accept me,
All is finished.
The joys, the sorrows soon will end,
The tomb confines all mortals!
Do not cry or place flowers at my grave,
Do not place a cross with my name to cover these bones!
Ah, the misguided desire to smile;
God pardon and accept me,
All is finished.

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