Little Rebel

Available for 29 days

This week, Kate Molleson explores the rebellious streak that drove Giuseppe Verdi from provincial obscurity to national hero. In today's programme, we meet the young Verdi: a talented organist from the village of Roncole whose ambitions soon outgrew his surroundings. Supported by his mentor Antonio Barezzi, Verdi leaves home, faces rejection from the Milan Conservatoire and begins plotting a future on the operatic stage. Along the way, we discover a young musician already determined to do things his own way. "Va, pensiero" (Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves) from Nabucco Wiener Staatsopernorchester and Wiener Staatsoper Lamberto Gardelli, conductor Romanza senza parole Roberto Galletto, piano Messa di Gloria: Gloria, Qui Tollis and Cum Sancto Coro Sinfonico di Milano Giuseppe Verdi Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi Riccardo Chailly, conductor Pater Noster Coro Sinfonico di Milano Giuseppe Verdi Riccardo Chailly, conductor Oberto, conte di San Bonifacio: "Oh patria terra, alfine io ti rivedo" and "Fidanzata avventurosa" Rolando Panerai, baritone Ghena Dimitrova, soprano Munich Radio Orchestra and Bavarian Radio Chorus Lamberto Gardelli, conductor Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales