Giuseppe Verdi was born in 1813 and lived until 1901, his life spanning nearly a century of political turmoil and considerable personal turmoil. This 1982 biographical television miniseries, as seen on PBS's Great Performances, dramatizes the life of this classic Italian composer known for operas including La Traviata, Rigoletto, and Aida and his Requiem.
DirectorRenato Castellani
WritersRenato Castellani, Gene Luotto
Episode 1
Oct 13, 1982
Giuseppe Verdi is born in 1813 to a provincial family. At a young age, his exceptional talent for music becomes clear to all around him.
Episode 2
Oct 15, 1982
Verdi and Margherita build a family while Verdi pursues his music education. His connections in the cultural hub of Milan provide new opportunities and encourage him to compose his first opera.
Episode 3
Oct 20, 1982
As Verdi's opera Nabucco debuts in Milan, Giuseppina's voice deteriorates further, and the two grow closer together.
Episode 4
Oct 22, 1982
Verdi and Giuseppina Strepponi are living together as he continues writing operas. But when the 1848 French revolution begins, its effects stretch across Europe.
Episode 5
Oct 29, 1982
Verdi's talent earns him fame and a number of accolades, including the French Legion of Honour. During rehearsals of Il Trovatore, Verdi begins work on La Traviata, but his muse escapes him.
Episode 6
Nov 3, 1982
All around Verdi the times are changing. With new technology and the Bohemian cultural movement sweeping across Italy, he tries to find his place in the new era.
Episode 7
Nov 5, 1982
Following the success of Aida, Verdi mourns the loss of Italian writer Alessandro Manzoni-a man he greatly admired-and writes a requiem in his honor. Giuseppina fears Verdi may have found a new muse.
Episode 8
Nov 10, 1982
No description available.
Episode 9
Nov 12, 1982
No description available.
