Libiamo ne'lieti calici (Drinking Song) is the most famous duet from Verdi's La traviata, perhaps one of the most well known fragments of opera around the world, and an obligatory performance (as is this opera itself) for any great tenor. The song is categorised as a Brindisi, which encourages alcoholic drinking. Those who have performed it include Luciano Pavarotti, Giuseppe di Stefano, Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, Enrico Caruso, and many others. The words were written by Francesco Maria Piave.
The duet is performed in the first act of the opera, at Violetta Valéry's house, and it is sung by Alfredo Germont and Violetta. Alfredo is a young man in love with Violetta. The scene is a late-night party at Violetta's house. Alfredo is convinced by Gastone (Alfredo's friend) and Violetta to show off his voice. He sings this drinking song