How to Listen to and Understand Great Music, 3rd Edition Season 1 Episode 38 19th-Century Italian Opera—Giuseppe Verdi

Verdi was not an innovator or reformer; his operatic style evolved as he sought ever-greater refinement of dramatic line, singing technique, and literary truth. He elevated the role of the orchestra and favored characterization and dramatic truth over the vocal prettiness of the bel canto style. The final scene from Verdi's opera Aida is heard and discussed.