Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Censorship City

Composer of the Week Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848)

Episode 3 of 5

Donald Macleod on how Donizetti became exasperated by the pettiness and incompetence of Naples's opera houses and felt frustrated by the attitude of the city's strict censors.

Gaetano Donizetti composed almost 70 operas in 19th-century Italy, the age of the impresario, the prima donna and the star tenor. Donald Macleod traces his extraordinary life.

As a successful composer, Donizetti was exasperated by the pettiness and incompetence of Naples' opera houses, and deeply frustrated by the attitude of the city's strict censors. When his leading lady defied them by swearing on stage, Donizetti's career hung in the balance. Featuring recordings by Anna Netrebko, Beverly Sills and Thomas Hampson.

Show less

1 hour

Last on

Wed 17 Sep 2014 18:30

BBC Radio 3

More episodes

Maestro Excitement—Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848)

Sadness and Success—Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848)

See all episodes from Composer of the Week

Gaetano Donizetti

Lucia di Lammermoor - opera seria in 3 acts
Conductor: Claudio Abbado. Performer: Anna Netrebko. Performer: Mahler Chamber Orchestra. Performer: Milan Verdi Chorus.
- DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.
- 0289 474 8002 0.
Gaetano Donizetti

Requiem in D minor (In memoriam Bellini)
Conductor: Miguel Ángel Gómez Martínez. Performer: Bamberg S O.. Performer: Bamberg Symphony Chorus.
- Orfeo.
- C172881.
Gaetano Donizetti

Marino Faliero - opera
Conductor: Miguel Ángel Gómez Martínez. Performer: Samuel Ramey. Performer: Thomas Hampson. Performer: Munich Radio Orchestra.
- Teldec.
- 13149.
Gaetano Donizetti

Maria Stuarda - opera seria in 3 acts
Conductor: Aldo Ceccato. Performer: Beverly Sills. Performer: Louis Quilico. Performer: London Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Deutsche Grammophon.
- 4712212.