Verdi

Drama

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.

Episodes

Cast

Episode 1

1. Episode 1

1h 26min

13th Oct 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

2. Episode 2

15th Oct 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

3. Episode 3

1h 25min

20th Oct 1982

As Verdi's opera Nabucco debuts in Milan, Giuseppina's voice deteriorates further, and the two grow closer together.

Episode 4

4. Episode 4

58min

22nd Oct 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

5. Episode 5

1h 25min

29th Oct 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

6. Episode 6

1h 25min

3rd Nov 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

7. Episode 7

1h 25min

5th Nov 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

8. Episode 8

1h 25min

10th Nov 1982

Episode 9

9. Episode 9

12th Nov 1982

First air date

13th Oct 1982

Last air date

12th Nov 1982

Status

Ended

Type

Miniseries

Original language

it

Networks