About this episode
This episode explores the life and works of Gaetano Donizetti, a prolific Italian composer known for his operas and contributions to the bel canto style.
Gaetano Donizetti was one of Italy’s most prolific tunesmiths, with almost 70 operas to his name – about as many as Rossini, Bellini and Verdi all combined - whose arias still cut straight to the heart today. Donald Macleod follows his irresistible rise: from a child brought up in a dark, cramped cellar to become a pioneering master of the style known as bel canto. And like any opera plot, there’s triumph and tragedy, headaches and heartbreak… Music featured: L’Elisir d’amore Gloria (from Messa di Gloria) String Quartet No 5 in E minor Waltz in G major Zoraida Amor marinaro L’Esule di Roma Lucrezia Borgia Lucia di Lammermoor String Quartet No 16 Maria Stuarda Messa di Requiem ll sogno “Nostre misere menti” Il sospiro “Donna felice, stanca d’amore” Poliuto La fille du regiment Les Martyrs La fille du regiment Maria Padilla Trovatella “Sovra il campo della vita” Don Pasquale String Quartet No 18 Dom Sebastien: Seul sur la terre Requiem: Offertorio – Lux Aeterna Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales and West. For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for…
People in this episode
Host: Donald Macleod
Topics covered
- Gaetano Donizetti
- bel canto
- opera
- music history
Keywords
- operas
- arias
- music
- Italy
Mentioned in this episode
Products: L’Elisir d’amore, Messa di Gloria, String Quartet No 5 in E minor, Lucia di Lammermoor
Books & works: Messa di Gloria, Sovra il campo della vita, Composer of the Week
Places: Italy
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