2/5. Giuseppina Strepponi. The opera singer Giuseppina Strepponi was one of Verdi's most loyal supporters. Despite the difficulties her tarnished reputation caused the couple, their relationship endured for half a century. Verdi relied on her steady emotional support, advice over singers and her ability to deal with all his professional matters, including tactfully negotiating disputes with colleagues and friends. Donald Macleod examines how Verdi's relationship with Stepponi affected his life and work.
Oh Belle, a Questa Misera (I Lombardi, Act 2) Angela Gheorghiu (soprano), Roberto Alagna (tenor), Berlin PO, conductor Claudio Abbado Surta e la Notte.... Ernani! Ernani, Involami (Ernani, Act 1) Leontyne Price (soprano), RCA Italiana Opera Orchestra, conductor Thomas Schippers
Ben /o T'Invenni.... Anchi'lo Dischiuso un Giorno (Nabucco, Act 2) Ghena Dimitrova (soprano), Berlin Deutsche Oper Orchestra, conductor Giuseppe Sinopoli
La Traviata, Act 1 Joan Sutherland (soprano), Carlo Bergonzi (tenor), Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Chorus and Orchestra, conductor John Pritchard
Repeated on Monday at 12 midnight