The work is an example of the operas of Verdi's middle compositional period, during which some of his best-loved works were produced. The composer's increased financial stability, as well as a desire to turn his attentions away from the political troubles of Italy at the time, inspired him to create a piece around an intimate storyline – a departure from previous larger scale works like Nabucco and Macbeth. The role of the "fallen woman" Violetta Valéry is considered one of the pinnacles of the operatic repertory, requiring a soprano who can convincingly soar to the highs and delve down to the lows of vocal and dramatic limits.