A programme presented by Mark H. Lubbock and Gordon McConnel with Eva Turner (soprano)
Dino Borgioli (tenor)
David Lloyd (tenor)
Joseph Satariano (baritone)
The Augmented BBC Theatre Chorus
Trained by Charles Groves
The Augmented BBC Theatre
Orchestra
Leader, Tate Gilder
Conductor, Stanford Robinson
The original idea of this programme, which was first produced in March 1936 and has since been revised, was to give an impression, not only of Puccini's work, but of his unique personality, his moods, and his methods.
In place of stereotyped announcements of musical items, the presentation takes the form of a brief biography, extracts from his letters, outstanding incidents in that chequered career — failures that turned to triumphs-and the unquenchable spirit of the man in face of jealous opposition. The musical illustrations are taken from Madam Butterfly, Manon Lescaut , Tosca, La Bohème, and Turandot.