Throughout an operatic career that spanned more than 50 years (from 1839 to 1893) Verdi developed virtually single-handed an operatic language in which the drama is carried by, yet gives form to, the melody. His music embodies human emotion to an extent achieved by few other theatre composers. This week's programmes present a selection of music from his early operas as well as extended excerpts from La Traviata, Simon Boccanegra and Falstaff.
Today: music from Oberto, Nabucco, I Lombardi and Ernani including the voices of TITO GOBBI, ELENA SULIOTIS, SYLVIA SASS, CARLO BERGONZI and LEONTYNE PRICE: records