The Life of Verdi

Season 1

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.

Where to Watch The Life of Verdi • Season 1

9 Episodes

Episode 1
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Episode 1Giuseppe Verdi is born in 1813 to a provincial family. At a young age, his exceptional talent for music becomes clear to all around him.
Episode 2
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Episode 2Verdi 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.
Episode 3
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Episode 3As Verdi's opera Nabucco debuts in Milan, Giuseppina's voice deteriorates further, and the two grow closer together.
Episode 4
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Episode 4Verdi and Giuseppina Strepponi are living together as he continues writing operas. But when the 1848 French revolution begins, its effects stretch across Europe.
Episode 5
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Episode 5Verdi'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.
Episode 6
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Episode 6All 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.
Episode 7
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Episode 7Following 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.
Episode 8
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Episode 8
Episode 9
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Episode 9