Lives in Song

About Lives in Song

An Opera Rara podcast exploring the lives of composers through their music. Hosted by Flora Willson, Lives in Song offers listeners a deeper understanding of the music and the people behind opera’s enduring works. www.opera-rara.com (https://opera-rara.com/)

Publisher

Opera Rara

Category

arts · music

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Sept 2025

Latest episode

2 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Oct 2026

   Puccini's La rondine – the final 1921 version

   In our Season 2 finale, host Flora Willson sits down with Puccini specialist and opera historian Dr Ditlev Rindom to explore a musical mystery. Together, they pull back the curtain on the painstaking process of reconstructing the long-lost 1921 critical edition of Giacomo Puccini’s La rondine. Discover why Puccini continuously reworked this masterpiece, shifting it from a light Viennese operetta commission to a fully-fledged tragedy. Ditlev reveals the incredible detective work required to rebuild missing sections using sketches, vocal scores, and the composer's scattered notes. Plus, we share exclusive, unmastered previews from Opera Rara’s highly anticipated studio recording of this 1921 version. "He was an inveterate reviser of his works... Puccini has this image of being someone who's so self-confident. And I think the more you get to know him through his letters, you realise how full of doubt he was." — Dr Ditlev Rindom If you love discovering the hidden gems of the operatic world and want to hear more rare works brought to life, please consider supporting Opera Rara's restorative work. Visit opera-rara.com/support (https://opera-rara.com/support) to make a donation. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Lives in Song: Discovering Puccini’s La rondine 01:51 From Viennese Operetta to Parisian Tragedy: The Genesis of La rondine 04:36 Exploring the 1917 Premiere and Puccini’s Growing Doubts 08:54 The 1921 Version: Why Did Puccini Rewrite the Ending? 14:46 Behind the Scenes: Building the 1921 Critical Edition 21:23 Lost Manuscripts and the Long Road to Reconstruction 31:33 The Inveterate Reviser: Puccini’s Pursuit of Theatrical Perfection 34:42 Musical Preview: The Exuberant Chorus Waltz of Act 2 40:35 A Darker Turn: Magda’s Evolution and the Tragic Ending 47:46 Reassessing Giacomo Puccini: From Popular Hitmaker to Serious Innovator 52:09 Ask Opera Rara: Unpacking Puccini’s Heroines Get Involved ► REVIEW & SUBSCRIBE Follow or subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode. And please leave a review to help other opera-lovers discover our work. ► DISCOVER Opera Rara's work to unearth, restore, and record lost and forgotten operas by some of music's greatest composers: Opera Rara (https://opera-rara.com/) ► SUPPORT a unique operatic vision and help us create more content like this: Support Opera Rara (https://www.opera-rara.com/support) ► EXPLORE the full Opera Rara catalogue: Shop Catalogue (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue) ► FOLLOW Opera Rara: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/opera.rara) X / Twitter (https://x.com/OperaRara) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OperaRaraOfficial) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/opera-rara/about/) BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/operarara.bsky.social) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/OperaRaraOfficial) Credits Lives in Song is produced for Opera Rara by Creative Kin (http://creativekin.co.uk/). To find out more visit creativekin.co.uk/song (http://creativekin.co.uk/song) Host: Flora Willson Executive Producer: Zachary Vanderburg Producer: Jason Caffrey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-caffrey/) Videographer: Robin Bharaj Audio Engineer: Phoebe Murdoch

2. 

   24 Apr 2026

   Puccini’s Later Years

   Following the disastrous premiere of Madama Butterfly in 1904, Giacomo Puccini faced a severe creative and personal crisis. Bruised by failure and an awful car accident, the great composer struggled to find his next operatic subject. Yet, what followed was an unprecedented era of transatlantic fame, technological innovation, and an ever-evolving musical landscape. From massive international tours and the early days of the gramophone to the global disruption of the First World War, Puccini’s later life was as dramatic as any of his operas. In this episode of Lives in Song, host Flora Willson welcomes back opera historian and Puccini specialist Dr. Ditlev Rindom. Together, they explore how Puccini navigated the “autumn of Italian opera,” adapting his style and collaborating with new librettists to produce later masterpieces like La Fanciulla del West, Il Trittico, and La Rondine. We also examine the heartbreaking final days of Puccini's life, tracing his struggles to complete his grandest project, Turandot, while battling an undiagnosed fatal illness. If you love discovering the hidden gems and untold stories of the operatic world, please help us keep the music alive. Support our mission by visiting opera-rara.com/support (https://opera-rara.com/support) and making a donation today. "He really knew how to create drama for an audience and how to hold you captive, how to manipulate you even, and then how to chuck you out the other end feeling absolutely overwhelmed." — Flora Willson Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: Puccini after Madama Butterfly 03:08 - Global Ambitions: La fanciulla del West at the Metropolitan Opera New York 06:01 - Transatlantic Fame in North and South America 08:16 - Puccini, Caruso and the gramophone era 13:13 - A Creative Crisis: the death of librettist Giuseppe Giacosa 17:18 - Mascagni's Lodoletta and Puccini’s discarded work 22:47 - Viennese Operetta: La Rondine and the Great War 28:29 - The Autumn of Italian Opera and the Late Verismo Movement 32:26 - The lure of one-act opera: Leoncavallo's Zingari 36:40 - Il Trittico and the European Trend of Short Operas 40:41 - The Grandeur of Turandot and Puccini's Final Struggle 49:11 - Ask Opera Rara: Puccini's Legacy in the Theatre Get Involved Thank you for listening. Lives in Song is produced for a Creative Kin (http://creativekin.co.uk/) production for Opera Rara. ► REVIEW & SUBSCRIBE Follow or subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode. And please leave a review to help other opera-lovers discover our work. ► DISCOVER Opera Rara's work to unearth, restore, and record lost and forgotten operas by some of music's greatest composers: Opera Rara (https://opera-rara.com/) ► SUPPORT a unique operatic vision and help us create more content like this: Support Opera Rara (https://www.opera-rara.com/support) ► EXPLORE the full Opera Rara catalogue: Shop Catalogue (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue) ► FOLLOW Opera Rara: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/opera.rara) X / Twitter (https://x.com/OperaRara) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OperaRaraOfficial) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/opera-rara/about/) BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/operarara.bsky.social) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/OperaRaraOfficial) Credits Lives in Song is produced for Opera Rara by Creative Kin (http://creativekin.co.uk/). To find out more visit creativekin.co.uk/song (http://creativekin.co.uk/song) Host: Flora Willson Executive Producer: Zachary Vanderburg Producer: Jason Caffrey Videographer: Abdul Salifu Audio Engineer: Phoebe Murdoch

3. 

   27 Mar 2026

   Puccini’s Leading Ladies with Ermonela Jaho

   What does it take to truly bring Giacomo Puccini’s most tragic and beautiful heroines to life on the modern stage? In this episode of Lives in Song, host Flora Willson sits down with internationally acclaimed operatic soprano Ermonela Jaho. Celebrated as one of the great verismo interpreters of our time, Jaho reveals the intense emotional and technical preparation required to sing roles like Mimì (La bohème) and Cio-Cio-San (Madama Butterfly). Whether you're a lifelong opera devotee or entirely new to the operatic world, this conversation offers a rare, behind-the-curtain look at the discipline, vulnerability, and commitment that fuels a master performance. Jaho shares her deeply personal connections to these characters, describing how her own personal life experience shapes the music she creates. If you'd like to dive deeper into the recordings discussed in this episode visit the Opera Rara website (https://opera-rara.com/) to uncover more forgotten masterpieces. "The advice (for young performers) that I would say they have to trust themselves, not to be afraid to show their vulnerability, no one is perfect." – Ermonela Jaho Chapters: 00:00 Who Were Puccini's Leading Ladies? 01:50 Ermonela Jaho: Honoured To Revive Forgotten Operas with Opera Rara 07:28 Stepping into Puccini's World: Jaho’s First Time Singing Mimì 12:18 Madama Butterfly: Emotion, Technique And The Power Of Pianissimo 29:38 Finding Your Voice: Jaho On Artistic Vulnerability And Idolising The Greats 39:52 Jaho The Master Performer: Connecting Personal Loss to Operatic Characters 43:47 Ask Opera Rara: Ermonela Jaho's Advice for Young Singers 45:11 Jaho’s Pre-Show Rituals: Skipping Ropes And Light Meals Get Involved Thank you for listening. Lives in Song is produced for a Creative Kin (http://creativekin.co.uk/) production for Opera Rara. ► REVIEW & SUBSCRIBE Follow or subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode. And please leave a review to help other opera-lovers discover our work. ► DISCOVER Opera Rara's work to unearth, restore, and record lost and forgotten operas by some of music's greatest composers: Opera Rara (https://opera-rara.com/) ► SUPPORT a unique operatic vision and help us create more content like this: Support Opera Rara (https://www.opera-rara.com/support) ► EXPLORE the full Opera Rara catalogue: Shop Catalogue (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue) ► FOLLOW Opera Rara: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/opera.rara) X / Twitter (https://x.com/OperaRara) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OperaRaraOfficial) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/opera-rara/about/) BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/operarara.bsky.social) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/OperaRaraOfficial) Credits Lives in Song is produced for Opera Rara by Creative Kin (http://creativekin.co.uk). To find out more visit creativekin.co.uk/song (http://creativekin.co.uk/song) Host: Flora Willson Executive Producer: Zachary Vanderburg Producer: Jason Caffrey Videographer: Abdul Salifu Audio Engineer: Phoebe Murdoch

4. 

   27 Feb 2026

   Conducting Puccini with Carlo Rizzi

   Giacomo Puccini is famous for his soaring melodies and heartbreaking arias, but his genius extended far beyond the vocal line. In this episode of Lives in Song, host Flora Willson sits down with Carlo Rizzi, world-renowned conductor and Artistic Director of Opera Rara, to explore Puccini's mastery of the orchestra. Maestro Rizzi takes us deep into the score, explaining the technical challenges of conducting Puccini’s signature rubato and revealing why he believes the composer’s orchestration rivals that of Strauss or Wagner. He also shares personal stories from his own life in music, including a vivid memory of the La Scala audience expressing their displeasure at a performance of Turandot. We also get an inside look at two of Carlo’s major recent projects: his Symphonic Suites, which reimagine Tosca and Madama Butterfly without voices, and Opera Rara’s ground-breaking recording of the 1921 version of La Rondine—a version the composer fought for, but which has never been performed as he intended until now. "When you shape a phrase of Puccini, it's completely different... You need more input from the conductor. Because, you know, Puccini is incredibly particular about what he wants. He's so detailed." — Carlo Rizzi CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Lives in Song: Puccini 01:51 Recording the 1921 Version of La Rondine 05:07 Buying Scores at Age Nine 07:46 A Night at La Scala: A Turandot to Remember 10:47 Defending Puccini: The Genius of His Orchestration 1 4:24 From Student Work to Masterpiece: The Capriccio Sinfonico 17:14 The Conductor’s Craft: Shaping Puccini’s Rubato 21:21 Villains with Class: Scarpia in Tosca 23:22 Puccini Without Words: Creating the Symphonic Suites 30:36 Reimagining the Score: Putting the Orchestra Centre Stage 34:43 Why Puccini Endures: Speaking to the Human Experience 36:59 Listener Q&A: Fulfilling Puccini’s Final Wish GET INVOLVED Thank you for listening. Lives in Song is a Creative Kin production for Opera Rara. ► REVIEW & SUBSCRIBE Follow or subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode. And please leave a review to help other opera-lovers discover our work. ► DISCOVER Opera Rara's mission to unearth, restore, and record lost and forgotten operas by some of music's greatest composers: Opera Rara (https://opera-rara.com/) ► SUPPORT a unique operatic vision and help us create more content like this: Support Us (https://www.opera-rara.com/support) ► EXPLORE the full Opera Rara catalogue: Shop Catalogue (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue) ► FOLLOW Opera Rara: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/opera.rara) X / Twitter (https://x.com/OperaRara) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OperaRaraOfficial) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/opera-rara/about/) BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/operarara.bsky.social) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/OperaRaraOfficial) SUPPORTERS Lives in Song is brought to you by Opera Rara and supported by the generosity of listeners like you. Opera Rara is all about uncovering and sharing the hidden gems of the operatic world, giving new life to music that deserves to be heard. Your generosity helps us share rare operas and songs with audiences around the world. CREDITS Lives in Song is produced for Opera Rara by Creative Kin (http://creativekin.co.uk/). To find out more visit creativekin.co.uk/song (http://creativekin.co.uk/song) Host: Flora Willson Audio Engineer: Phoebe Murdoch Videographer: Robin Bharaj Producer: Jason Caffrey Executive Producer: Zachary Vanderburg

5. 

   30 Jan 2026

   Puccini's Le Willis

   In 1883, a young Giacomo Puccini entered a one-act opera competition in Milan. He lost. But that failure - his first opera, Le Willis (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue/puccini-le-willis) - caught the attention of the powerful Ricordi publishing house, launching the career of the man who would become Italy’s greatest post-Verdi composer. In this episode of Lives in Song, host Flora Willson is joined by opera scholar Alexandra Wilson to uncover the fascinating origins of Le Willis. Together, they explore Puccini’s student days in Milan, his early symphonic ambitions, and the supernatural legend of the Willis - ghosts of jilted brides who dance men to death. Featuring extracts from Opera Rara’s complete recording, discover the energy of La Tregenda - the witches’ dance - and the melodic genius that signalled the arrival of a new operatic master. To support Opera Rara’s mission to restore and record lost operatic masterpieces, please visit opera-rara.com/support (https://www.opera-rara.com/support). "It's incredible to think that symphonic music, orchestral music, was new music as far as Puccini's generation were concerned. I mean, I don't think a Beethoven symphony was heard in Italy until Puccini's teenage years." - Alexandra Wilson Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Uncovering Puccini’s Debut Opera 04:15 Escaping to Milan: Bohemian Life and Musical Education 07:27 The Sonzogno Competition: Failure and Opportunity 11:11 Symphonic Ambitions: Listening to the opening of Le Willis 12:40 The Legend of the Willis: The Ghosts of Jilted Brides 17:39 La Tregenda: Analysing Puccini’s witches’ dance 26:05 The Premiere of Le Willis and Ricordi’s Intervention 33:37 Ask Opera Rara: Essential Reading and Puccini’s Legacy Get Involved Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/opera.rara) X / Twitter (https://x.com/OperaRara) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OperaRaraOfficial) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/opera-rara/about/) BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/operarara.bsky.social) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/OperaRaraOfficial) SUPPORTERS Lives in Song is brought to you by Opera Rara and supported by the generosity of listeners like you. Opera Rara is all about uncovering and sharing the hidden gems of the operatic world, giving new life to music that deserves to be heard. Your generosity helps us share rare operas and songs with audiences around the world. CREDITS Lives in Song is produced for Opera Rara by Creative Kin (http://creativekin.co.uk/). To find out more visit creativekin.co.uk/song (http://creativekin.co.uk/song) Host: Flora Willson Guest: Alexandra Wilson Executive Producer: Zachary Vanderburg Producer: Jason Caffrey Audio Engineer: Phoebe Murdoch Videographer: Robin Bharaj

6. 

   28 Nov 2025

   Puccini: The Making of a Maestro

   Giacomo Puccini was the fifth generation of a musical dynasty in Lucca, destined for a quiet life as a cathedral organist. But after his father died when Giacomo was just six years old, that lineage was disrupted - and the trajectory of Italian opera was changed forever. In this season premiere of Lives in Song, host Flora Willson is joined by opera scholar, Ditlev Rindom, to explore the formative years of the man who would bridge the 19th and 20th centuries and take opera into a bold, new age. We examine the political upheaval of the Risorgimento, the towering influence of Verdi, and the Scapigliatura movement that brought a punk-like energy to Milan’s artistic scene. Ditlev also introduces us to the upcoming Opera Rara recording of the 1921 version of La rondine, arguing that Puccini’s fear of repeating himself was evident from the very start. If you love the history of opera and want to support the discovery of rare works, visit the Opera Rara website (https://opera-rara.com/) to learn more. Puccini is "a composer who has absolute fear of repeating himself, but was always looking for a radically new topic." — Ditlev Rindom Chapters 00:00 Introduction (https://open.spotify.com/track/5Xpw7eOTPtxdRhY37tG6UF?si=24626aa0434c4699): Puccini’s World 01:53 Ditlev Rindom and the 1921 final version of La rondine (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwWCjP6qBSxAsT05BrgT8YzOAg4VMtONy) 04:32 Puccini: The Composer Of Two Centuries 08:33 Early Years In Lucca 11:36 A New Country: Growing up in the Risorgimento 14:49 Listening to Verdi: Simon Boccanegra (https://www.bing.com/ck/a?%21=&fclid=0c7f8fb2-c55f-668c-30a0-9bd2c4bf67df&hsh=4&p=e90c6742b05e23a4935098db1ef8c64afdd25465ecc9e02634e6d7e425038783JmltdHM9MTc2MzY4MzIwMA&psq=opera+rara+simon+boccanegra&ptn=3&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVyYS1yYXJhLmNvbS9zaG9wY2F0YWxvZ3VlL3ZlcmRpLXNpbW9uLWJvY2NhbmVncmEtb3JpZ2luYWwtMTg1Ny12ZXJzaW9u&ver=2) 17:09 The Crisis in Italian Opera 21:07 Arrigo Boito & The Scapigliatura Movement 32:42 Ask Opera Rara: Underrated Composers & La rondine 37:24 Conclusion Get Involved Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/opera.rara) X / Twitter (https://x.com/OperaRara) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OperaRaraOfficial) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/opera-rara/about/) BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/operarara.bsky.social) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/OperaRaraOfficial) Supporters Lives in Song is brought to you by Opera Rara and by the generosity of listeners like you. If you love discovery as much as we do, you can help us keep the music alive by making a donation at opera-rara.com/support (https://opera-rara.com/support). Credits Host: Flora Willson Guest: Ditlev Rindom Executive Producer: Zachary Vanderburg Producer: Jason Caffrey Audio Engineer: Phoebe Murdoch Videographer: Robin Bharaj Lives In Song is produced for Opera Rara by Creative Kin (http://creativekin.co.uk/song). To find out more visit https://creativekin.co.uk/song

7. 

   24 Sept 2025

   Donizetti Sets Eyes on Vienna – “Monseigneur le duc de Bretagne”

   In the final episode of our season on Gaetano Donizetti, we trace the last chapter of the composer's life. Our Host Flora Willson and Opera Rara’s Repertory Consultant, Prof. Roger Parker, follow Donizetti from the vibrant salons of Paris to the prestigious musical world of Vienna, a move that would profoundly reshape his artistic style. This period of creative evolution, however, was tragically cut short by a devastating illness that would lead to his final, painful years. Together, we explore the powerful, complex, and surprisingly modern music Donizetti was composing in this late period, focusing on his 1843 masterpiece, La fiancée du timbalier (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Cl8gGmgm7Q) – a dramatic and fragmented setting of a Victor Hugo poem. To round off the season, we're joined by a special guest, Martin Cullingford, editor of Gramophone magazine, to discuss Donizetti's legacy and the journey of this podcast. Opera Rara's unique mission is to bring forgotten works like these back to the stage and the studio. If you've enjoyed this journey into opera history, please visit our website to discover how you can support our work (https://www.opera-rara.com/support) and help us share these stories with the world. "It's extremely, extremely modern. You might almost say it's sort of protomodernist in some ways, that it's about fragmentation." - Prof. Roger Parker Chapters: 00:00 Donizetti’s Final Chapter: From Paris to Vienna 04:22 A New European Sound: Donizetti's Viennese Style 07:11 The Preludio to Caterina Cornaro 09:41 A Sad Decline: Donizetti's Final Illness 13:25 Setting Victor Hugo: La fiancée du timbalier 17:15 The Drummer's Bride: La fiancée du timbalier Part 1 20:18 A Social Networker: How Donizetti Used Music as a Gift 23:19 Modern & Fragmented: La fiancée du timbalier Part 2 25:47 After the Curtain Falls: The Battle for Donizetti's Manuscripts 29:43 Special Guest Finale with Martin Cullingford (Gramophone) 33:48 Ask Opera Rara: What’s Next for Lives in Song? Get Involved REVIEW & SUBSCRIBE: Follow or subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode. And please leave a review to help other opera-lovers discover our work. DISCOVER: Opera Rara's work to unearth, restore, and record lost and forgotten operas by some of music's greatest composers: https://opera-rara.com/ (https://opera-rara.com/) SUPPORT: A unique operatic vision and help us create more content like this: https://www.opera-rara.com/support (https://www.opera-rara.com/support) EXPLORE: The full Opera Rara catalogue: https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue) FOLLOW Opera Rara: YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOa2cPYjC9SzrIUzeo96ATg) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/opera.rara) X / Twitter (https://x.com/OperaRara) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OperaRaraOfficial) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/opera-rara/about/) BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/operarara.bsky.social) 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 (https://opera-rara.com/donor-portal-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. For more information about supporting Opera Rara (https://opera-rara.com/support), please visit opera-rara.com/support. Credits Lives in Song is produced for Opera Rara by Creative Kin (https://www.creativekin.co.uk/). Output Editor: Jason Caffrey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-caffrey/) Producer: Milly March (https://www.millymarch.com/) Executive Producer: Zachary Vanderburg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-vanderburg-78a73a33/?originalSubdomain=uk)

8. 

   23 Sept 2025

   Donizetti and French Culture – “Je ne me plaignis pas”

   When Gaetano Donizetti arrived in Paris in the late 1830s, he entered the undisputed capital of the 19th-century opera world. Driven from Italy by personal tragedy and professional frustration, he launched a veritable invasion, writing simultaneously for the city's three main opera houses and dazzling high society with his incredible creative energy. In this episode, host Flora Willson is joined by opera scholar Professor Roger Parker to explore this remarkable chapter in Donizetti's life. We discover how he adapted his style for the epic scale of French "grand opera" in works like Les Martyrs (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue/les-martyrs), and how he crafted a new, sophisticated voice in the intimate songs he wrote for the city's exclusive salons. Along the way, we'll hear two stunning examples of his French songs and uncover a surprising secret: how a melody written for the salon found its way into one of his most beloved comic operas, La Fille du Régiment. Opera Rara's mission is to unearth, restore, and record the forgotten gems of this period. To help us continue this vital work of musical discovery and share it with the world, please consider making a gift by visiting our support page at https://www.opera-rara.com/support (https://www.opera-rara.com/support). "This sort of atmosphere is very common in the French songs of this, a man sort of delighting in the cruelty of the woman... which I think the Italians would have found slightly vulgar, actually." - Roger Parker Chapters 00:00 - How Donizetti Conquered Paris 04:41 - Inside the 19th-Century Paris Opera Scene 09:07 - Deconstructing Donizetti's Grand Opera, Les Martyrs 15:28 - How French Salons Shaped Donizetti's Songs 20:11 - "I Didn't Complain": A Salon Lament with a Secret 27:03 - From Opera to Salon: A Tale of Two Songs 32:15 - The Surprising International Market for Salon Music 35:05 - Ask Opera Rara: Rediscovering Lost Operas & Donizetti's Brother Get Involved REVIEW & SUBSCRIBE: Follow or subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode. And please leave a review to help other opera-lovers discover our work. DISCOVER: Opera Rara's work to unearth, restore, and record lost and forgotten operas by some of music's greatest composers: https://opera-rara.com/ (https://opera-rara.com/) SUPPORT: A unique operatic vision and help us create more content like this: https://www.opera-rara.com/support (https://www.opera-rara.com/support) EXPLORE: The full Opera Rara catalogue: https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue) FOLLOW Opera Rara: YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOa2cPYjC9SzrIUzeo96ATg) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/opera.rara) X / Twitter (https://x.com/OperaRara) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OperaRaraOfficial) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/opera-rara/about/) BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/operarara.bsky.social) 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. For more information about supporting Opera Rara (https://opera-rara.com/support), please visit opera-rara.com/support. Credits Lives in Song is produced for Opera Rara by Creative Kin (https://www.creativekin.co.uk/). Output Editor: Jason Caffrey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-caffrey/) Producer: Milly March (https://www.millymarch.com/) Executive Producer: Zachary Vanderburg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-vanderburg-78a73a33/?originalSubdomain=uk)

9. 

   22 Sept 2025

   Love, Death, and Paris - "Amore e morte"

   In 1837, the death Gaetano Donizetti's beloved wife Virginia sent him into a profound crisis, prompting him to leave Italy for Paris. This tragic turning point also marked a new direction in his music, which became darker, more harmonically complex, and emotionally charged. In this episode, host Flora Willson is joined by opera scholar Roger Parker to investigate this pivotal period. We contrast the extreme, gothic violence of his opera Maria de Rudenz (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue/maria-de-rudenz) with the subtle, melancholic beauty of his salon song, "Amore e morte" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RD32MKCPaQU04&start_radio=1&v=32MKCPaQU04) - Love and Death. Along the way, we explore the 19th century's cultural "cult of death" and reveal the story behind the star tenor nicknamed "the tenor of the beautiful death." It’s a fascinating look at how personal grief and cultural trends can shape great art. Opera Rara is dedicated to uncovering the stories behind the music. If you enjoy these deep dives, please consider making a donation to help us continue our work. Learn more at opera-rara.com/support (https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.opera-rara.com%2Fsupport). "The tenor... was known as il tenore della bella morte, the tenor of the beautiful death. So he specialised in death scenes... He did a good stagger, you know, and all those kind of things." - Prof. Roger Parker Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Donizetti's Grief and the Move to Paris 02:54 A Darker Sound: The Musical Impact of Tragedy 07:22 Melodrama & The Gothic: Inside Maria de Rudenz 09:31 From the Stage to the Salon: Donizetti's Songs 12:01 "Amore e morte": A Song of Love and Death 14:48 Romanticism 101: Unpacking "Love and Death" 17:41 The 19th-Century's Beautiful Death 21:19 A Glimmer of Light?: The Song's Surprising Finale 26:01 Ask Opera Rara: Berlioz, Song Titles & Cello Counterpoints Get Involved Review & Subscribe: Follow or subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode. And please leave a review to help other opera-lovers discover our work. Discover: Learn about Opera Rara's work to unearth, restore, and record lost and forgotten operas at opera-rara.com (https://opera-rara.com/). Support: Help us create more content like this by supporting our unique operatic vision at opera-rara.com/support (https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.opera-rara.com%2Fsupport). Explore: The full Opera Rara catalogue is available at opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue). Follow Opera Rara: YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOa2cPYjC9SzrIUzeo96ATg) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/opera.rara) X / Twitter (https://x.com/OperaRara) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OperaRaraOfficial) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/opera-rara/about/) BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/operarara.bsky.social) 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. For more information about supporting Opera Rara (https://opera-rara.com/support), please visit opera-rara.com/support. Credits Lives in Song is produced for Opera Rara by Creative Kin (https://www.creativekin.co.uk/). Output Editor: Jason Caffrey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-caffrey/) Producer: Milly March (https://www.millymarch.com/) Executive Producer: Zachary Vanderburg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-vanderburg-78a73a33/?originalSubdomain=uk)

10. 

    21 Sept 2025

    Donizetti’s Tribute to Bellini – “Lamento per Bellini”

    In the 1830s, Gaetano Donizetti was at the height of his powers. With his operas conquering stages across Italy, he set his sights on the ultimate prize: Paris. But beyond the grand spectacle of the opera house, Donizetti was also exploring a more intimate, personal, and commercially savvy world - the world of song. In this episode, host Flora Willson is joined by leading Donizetti scholar Professor Roger Parker to delve into this pivotal decade. They uncover how the ambition to write for the Paris Opéra shaped works like L'assedio di Calais (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue/l-assedio-di-calais) and led to a fascination with the "exotic." You'll also hear the fascinating story behind Donizetti's Lamento per Bellini (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue/donizetti-songs-vols-56-ermonela-jaho), a moving tribute where he deliberately imitates the musical style of his greatest rival. Finally, we listen to the flirtatious Neapolitan charm of La conocchia (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue/donizetti-songs-vols-56-ermonela-jaho) (The Spindle), a perfect example of how Donizetti's songs were becoming a popular commodity across Europe. This series is part of Opera Rara's mission to unearth, restore, and record the lost and forgotten works of opera's greatest composers - a mission made possible by our loyal supporters. "None of Donizetti's operas was ever finished. They were just abandoned, basically. And if he had an opportunity to come back, he would always rewrite things." - Prof. Roger Parker Chapters 00:00 - Donizetti in the 1830s: The Peak of His Italian Career 03:25 - Aiming for Paris: The French Grand Opéra Influence in L'assedio di Calais 08:48 - From the Stage to the Salon: Donizetti's Songs Become a Commodity 10:55 - A Rival's Lament: Imitating Bellini's Style 15:01 - The Allure of the 'Other': Exoticism in Donizetti's Songs 17:05 - The Flirtatious Spindle: Deconstructing 'La conocchia' 22:20 - Domestic Security & A Thriving Social Network 24:46 - Ask Opera Rara: Your Questions Answered 28:33 - Why Was Italian Art Song Overlooked? 31:56 - New Discoveries in Don Pasquale Get Involved REVIEW & SUBSCRIBE: Follow or subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode. And please leave a review to help other opera-lovers discover our work. DISCOVER: Opera Rara's work to unearth, restore, and record lost and forgotten operas by some of music's greatest composers: https://opera-rara.com/ (https://opera-rara.com/) SUPPORT: A unique operatic vision and help us create more content like this: https://www.opera-rara.com/support (https://www.opera-rara.com/support) EXPLORE: The full Opera Rara catalogue: https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue) FOLLOW Opera Rara: YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOa2cPYjC9SzrIUzeo96ATg) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/opera.rara) X / Twitter (https://x.com/OperaRara) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OperaRaraOfficial) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/opera-rara/about/) BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/operarara.bsky.social) 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. For more information about supporting Opera Rara (https://opera-rara.com/support), please visit opera-rara.com/support. Credits Lives in Song is produced for Opera Rara by Creative Kin (https://www.creativekin.co.uk/). Output Editor: Jason Caffrey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-caffrey/) Producer: Milly March (https://www.millymarch.com/) Executive Producer: Zachary Vanderburg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-vanderburg-78a73a33/?originalSubdomain=uk)

11. 

    20 Sept 2025

    Young Donizetti: Escaping Rossini’s Shadow – “D’un genio”

    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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saGkMWSbENk)," 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 style 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. In this episode The World of a Young Composer: A look at the musical landscape of the 1820s and the inescapable influence of Rossini. A Song of His Own: An analysis of Donizetti's early song "D'un genio che m'accende" and what it reveals about his developing style. Opera vs. Song: Comparing the virtuosic demands of opera with the intimate, experimental nature of song writing. Ask Opera Rara: Answering questions about reviving obscure operas, the strange journey of Donizetti's manuscripts, and his lasting importance in music history. Dive into the early years of a master composer and hear the first sparks of a genius who would go on to change the face of opera forever. 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 Get Involved ► REVIEW & SUBSCRIBE Follow or subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode. And please leave a review to help other opera-lovers discover our work. ► DISCOVER Opera Rara's work (https://opera-rara.com/) to unearth, restore, and record lost and forgotten operas by some of music's greatest composers ► SUPPORT a unique operatic vision (https://www.opera-rara.com/support) and help us create more content like this: ► EXPLORE the full Opera Rara catalogue (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue) ► FOLLOW OPERA RARA: YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOa2cPYjC9SzrIUzeo96ATg) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/opera.rara) X / Twitter (https://x.com/OperaRara) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OperaRaraOfficial) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/opera-rara/about/) BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/operarara.bsky.social) 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. For more information about supporting Opera Rara (https://opera-rara.com/support), please visit opera-rara.com/support. Credits Lives in Song is produced for Opera Rara by Creative Kin (https://www.creativekin.co.uk/). Output Editor: Jason Caffrey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-caffrey/) Producer: Milly March (https://www.millymarch.com/) Executive Producer: Zachary Vanderburg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-vanderburg-78a73a33/?originalSubdomain=uk)

12. 

    19 Sept 2025

    Donizetti’s Love and Loss – “Il sogno”

    He wrote over 70 operas, but what do we really know about Gaetano Donizetti? In this opening episode of 'Lives in Song' from Opera Rara (https://opera-rara.com/), our host, opera historian Flora Willson (https://www.instagram.com/drflorawillson/) is joined by esteemed opera scholar Roger Parker (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/roger-parker), as we delve into Donizetti's life and works, focusing on celebrated opera composer's lesser-known contributions to song. Together we dive into one of his most personal and mysterious works, 'Il sogno' ('The Dream'), and explore how the tragic death of Donizetti's wife, Virginia, may have inspired this intimate and deeply poignant piece of music. Through excerpts of contrasting performances by Lawrence Brownlee (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue/donizetti-songs-vol-1-lawrence-brownlee), Nelly Miricioiu (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue/roberto-devereux) and Renée Fleming (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue/rosmonda-d-inghilterra), we highlight the emotional range and depth of Donizetti's work, both for the opera house and the salon. And we discuss how the composer's songs offer a different, more intimate glimpse into his artistry. This inspiring exploration is part of our mission at Opera Rara to unearth and share these forgotten masterpieces - a mission only made possible by our dedicated supporters. "I roused myself trembling from sleep. She still remained before me, and in the uncertain beams of the sun, I believed that I saw her again." Chapters: 00:00 - Donizetti: More Than Just an Opera Composer 04:15 - From Grand Opera to Intimate Songs 09:22 - 1837: A Year of Tragedy and Creative Turmoil 15:48 - Decoding 'Il sogno': A Song of Personal Grief? 23:01 - The 'Lucia di Lammermoor' Connection 27:14 - Rediscovering Donizetti's 200 Songs Get Involved ► REVIEW & SUBSCRIBE Follow or subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode. And please leave a review to help other opera-lovers discover our work. ► DISCOVER Opera Rara's work (https://opera-rara.com/) to unearth, restore, and record lost and forgotten operas by some of music's greatest composers ► SUPPORT a unique operatic vision (https://www.opera-rara.com/support) and help us create more content like this: ► EXPLORE the full Opera Rara catalogue (https://opera-rara.com/shopcatalogue) ► FOLLOW OPERA RARA: YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOa2cPYjC9SzrIUzeo96ATg) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/opera.rara) X / Twitter (https://x.com/OperaRara) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OperaRaraOfficial) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/opera-rara/about/) BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/operarara.bsky.social) 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. For more information about supporting Opera Rara (https://opera-rara.com/support), please visit opera-rara.com/support. Credits Lives in Song is produced for Opera Rara by Creative Kin (https://www.creativekin.co.uk/). Output Editor: Jason Caffrey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-caffrey/) Producer: Milly March (https://www.millymarch.com/) Executive Producer: Zachary Vanderburg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-vanderburg-78a73a33/?originalSubdomain=uk)

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