Episode 1

Katie Derham presents a week of programmes celebrating 200 years since the birth of Giuseppe Verdi, with performances of some of his most famous works, and some lesser-known, alongside pieces by his contemporaries.

Verdi: La Traviata (Act I Prelude)
BBC Philharmonic
Gianandrea Noseda (conductor)

2.07pm
Verdi: Il Trovatore (Ballet music)
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
David Parry (conductor)

2.30pm
Wagner: Tristan und Isolde (Prelude, Act III Liebestod)
Lisa Milne (soprano)
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Jac van Steen (conductor)

2.55pm
Rossini orch Respighi: La boutique fantasque
BBC Philharmonic
Gianandrea Noseda (conductor)

3.40pm
Verdi: Variazioni
Jean Yves Thibaudet (piano)
Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi
Riccardo Chailly (conductor)

4.05pm
Verdi: Don Carlos (Act 3, Scene 2 Ballet music)
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
David Parry (conductor).