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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

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Composer of the Week

Music: Classical

Composer of the Week - Brand

An informative guide to composers' lives and their music.

An informative and accessible guide to composers' lives and their music.

Composer of the Week: Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835)

Composer of the Week: Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835): Episode 4: Bellini's Diva

Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835)

Episode 4

Episode 4: Bellini's Diva

Bellini's Diva

BBC Radio 3 - Composer of the Week, Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835), Bellini's Diva

Donald Macleod focuses on Bellini's friendship with Italian soprano Giuditta Pasta.

Donald Macleod focuses on Bellini's lifelong friendship with the famous Italian soprano Giuditta Pasta, for whom he created the operatic roles of Amina and Norma.

In 1830, Bellini formed a lifelong friendship with famous Italian soprano Giuditta Pasta. He went on to create the roles of Amina (La Sonnambula), and Norma specifically for her.

Bellini's tragic opera, Norma, is often considered his masterpiece and contains one of the most famous arias of the 19th century: Casta Diva. It was an aria that, originally, Giuditta Pasta refused to sing! We hear a large extract from this opera that includes Casta Diva, performed by Maria Callas. We also hear an example of Bellini's coloratura fireworks in an aria and duet from La Sonnambula (The Sleepwalker).

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini

Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini, famous for his bel canto era operas

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Composer of the Week

Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835)

Episode 4: Bellini's Diva

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