Join us as we travel back to the early 19th century to explore the beginnings of Gaetano Donizetti’s career.
Forget the grand, dramatic operas for a moment.
In this episode of Lives in Song, we focus on his lesser-known talent for songwriting and how a young composer found his voice in a world dominated by one man – Gioachino Rossini.
With host Flora Willson and esteemed opera expert Roger Parker, we listen to one of Donizetti’s early compositions, “D’un genio che m’accende,” written when he was just 24.
It reveals a composer navigating the towering influence of Rossini, whose virtuosic and emotionally dazzling bel canto style was the global phenomenon of the day.
Through musical examples from both composers, we uncover the differences in the musical styles of Donizetti vs Rossini, and how Donizetti used the more intimate form of song to experiment.
And we answer your questions, from how forgotten operas are chosen for revival, to the strange mystery of how so many of Donizetti’s songs ended up in an Austrian monastery.
This exploration of a young genius is a core part of Opera Rara’s mission to unearth and share forgotten works – a mission powered by our supporters.
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Roger Parker
Guest
Listen and watch on…
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction: Exploring Young Donizetti
02:22 – Musical Interlude 1: “D’un genio che m’accende” (Opening)
04:02 – The Shadow of a Giant: The Dominance of Rossini
06:28 – Musical Interlude 2: Rossini’s “Bel raggio lusinghier” from Semiramide
11:03 – Finding His Voice: Donizetti’s Songs as an Escape from Rossini
13:58 – Musical Interlude 3: Donizetti in “Rossini Mode” – L’esule di Roma
18:48 – A Deeper Look: The Story Behind “D’un genio che m’accende”
22:58 – Musical Interlude 4: “D’un genio che m’accende” (Full Performance)
25:21 – Ask Opera Rara: Listener Q&A
33:04 – Conclusion
SUPPORTERS
This season of Lives in Song has been made possible by the generous support of
Andrea Pessino, Opera Rara’s 2024-25 season Donizetti Songs Supporter and the Opera Rara Donizetti Syndicate.
The Donizetti Song Project is supported by the Colwinston Charitable Trust and the Cockayne Grants for the Arts at the London Community Foundation.
Opera Rara’s work is only made possible by the support of our loyal family of donors and listeners.
CREDITS
- Host: Flora Willson
- Guest: Roger Parker
- Executive Producer: Zachary Vanderburg
- Producer: Milly March
- Output editor: Jason Caffrey
Lives In Song is produced for Opera Rara by Creative Kin. To find out more visit https://creativekin.co.uk/song