FACTUAL
The Real History of Opera
Tuesday 9 October 2007 13:30-14:00 (Radio 4 FM)
Repeated: Saturday 13 October 2007 15:30-16:00 (Radio 4 FM)
Huw Edwards uncovers the history and social context behind operas.
Tchaikovsky's opera tells a true story of betrayal, love, torture, war and the fight for Ukrainian independence. The action centres on the battle of Poltava in 1709, a decisive victory in the war against Sweden which established Russia as a major power.
Followed by News.
