About this season
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 (9)
1. Episode 1
Aired 13 October 1982 • 86 min
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.
2. Episode 2
Aired 15 October 1982 • 85 min
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.
3. Episode 3
Aired 20 October 1982 • 85 min
As Verdi's opera Nabucco debuts in Milan, Giuseppina's voice deteriorates further, and the two grow closer together.
4. Episode 4
Aired 22 October 1982 • 85 min
Verdi and Giuseppina Strepponi are living together as he continues writing operas. But when the 1848 French revolution begins, its effects stretch across Europe.
5. Episode 5
Aired 29 October 1982 • 85 min
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.
6. Episode 6
Aired 3 November 1982 • 85 min
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.
7. Episode 7
Aired 5 November 1982 • 85 min
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.
8. Episode 8
Aired 10 November 1982 • 85 min
9. Episode 9
Aired 12 November 1982 • 85 min