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Kate Molleson explores Monteverdi’s breakthrough opera L’Orfeo and the personal and professional pressures surrounding its creation.

Kate Molleson focuses on Monteverdi at a turning point in his career, as he secures a leading role at the Mantuan court and begins writing for the stage. Alongside this creative breakthrough comes a more difficult period in his personal life, with financial strain, overwork and illness. Set within the demands of court life, Monteverdi’s artistic ambition and lived experience converge.

Io mi son giovinetta
Concerto Italiano
Rinaldo Alessandrini, director

Vespers of 1610 – excerpts
The Sixteen
Harry Christophers, conductor

Cor mio, non mori?
Delitiae Musicae
Marco Longhini, director

L’Orfeo – Act 5 (extract)
John Mark Ainsley, tenor (Orfeo)
Catherine Bott, soprano (La Musica)
Julia Gooding, soprano (Euridice)
Michael George, bass (Plutone)
Andrew King, tenor (Apollo)
Simon Grant, bass (Caronte)

Lætaniæ della Beata Vergine
Odhecaton
Paolo Da Col, director

Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West

Release date:

59 minutes

Broadcast

  • Wed 10 Jun 202616:00

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