Beginnings

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Episode 1 of 3

Duration: 1 hour

Three-part series tracing the history of Italian opera presented by Antonio Pappano, world-renowned conductor and music director at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The series features sumptuous music, stunning Italian locations and some of the biggest names in opera as contributors.

In the first programme, Pappano takes a whistle-stop tour of the beginnings of opera, from Monteverdi to Rossini. He also looks at the works of two non-Italian composers, Handel and Mozart, both of whom were pivotal in the development of the art form. Along the way he enlists the help of some of the world's greatest singers - Juan Diego Florez, Joyce DiDonato, Danielle de Niese, Sarah Connolly and Pietro Spagnoli.

More episodes

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  • Opera on the BBC

    Opera on the BBC

    This programme is part of a major new collection of programmes across the BBC celebrating opera through the eyes of the world's leading singers, conductors, directors and opera enthusiasts.

    Go to the Opera on the BBC website

  • Photo: Juan Diego Florez and Joyce DiDonato

    Photo: Juan Diego Florez and Joyce DiDonato

    Juan Diego Florez as the Count and Joyce DiDonato as Rosian in a 2006 Royal Opera House production of Rossini's The Barber of Seville.

  • Photo: Juan Diego Florez and Pietro Spagnoli

    Photo: Juan Diego Florez and Pietro Spagnoli

    Juan Diego Florez as the Count and Pietro Spagnoli as Figaro in a 2006 Royal Opera House production of Rossini's The Barber of Seville.

Credits

Presenter
Antonio Pappano
Director
Flavia Rittner
Producer
Flavia Rittner
Executive Producer
Sue Judd
Executive Producer
Peter Maniura

Broadcasts

See all broadcasts of Beginnings (10)

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