Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864)

Curtain-up on the life of 19th-century opera star Giacomo Meyerbeer, with Donald Macleod

With smash hits including 'Robert le diable', 'Les Huguenots' and 'Le Prophète', Giacomo Meyerbeer was one of the most performed composers on the 19th-century stages: (re)discover the celebrated King of Grand Opera, in his own quasi-operatic life of sparkling successes, plot twists and travelling adventures, but also of prejudice and hardship.

Music Featured:

Robert le diable (excerpts) Le pardon de Ploërmel, Act I, "Ce tintement que l’on entend" L’Africaine, Act IV, No 15 Entr’acte, Entrée de la Reine, Marche indienne Der Fischer und das Milchmädchen (excerpts) Der Admiral Overture Gott und die Natur (No 7, "Es geht aus seinem Strahlentor") arr D. Salvi for voice, strings & piano Das Brandenburger Tor (Einleitung) Jephtas Gelübde Overture (arr D. Salvi for piano and strings) Il nascere e il fiorire d’una rosa Le Prophète, Act I (No 1a: Prélude et chœur pastoral. "La brise est muette") Gli amori di Teolinda (IV. Allegro moderato) Romilda e Costanza Overture Emma di Resburgo, Act I, Scene 1: "Sulla rupe triste, sola...Ah questo bacio" Il crociato in Egitto (excerpts) Margherita d’Anjou, Act II, "Che bell’alba!" A une jeune mère An Mozart Struensee, Act II: Entr’acte, Der Ball Les Huguenots (excerpts) Fantasie for clarinet & string quartet Ein Feldlager in Schlesien (excerpts) Psalm 91 Le Prophète (excerpts) Pater Noster L’Étoile du Nord, Act III, Scène 8. "Quel trouble affreux" (Danilowitz)

Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Julien Rosa for BBC Audio Wales & West

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0027bqw And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z