Uploaded October 2017 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
If opera is the crowning achievement of music and drama, the aria—a virtuoso’s showcase for passionate expression—is the jewel in the crown.
»»﴿───► See more on the Musicians Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIZqvqbtz9I1K6PVM1EnYb14Fxxzam9sr
»»﴿───► See more on the Documentary Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIZqvqbtz9I0A1T78lAPpY0RN5oM9Gq5c
Check out the Patreon rewards! patreon.com/ManufacturingIntellect
Gathering outstanding performances from the 1980s and ’90s, this two-part series is both an exhilarating introduction to opera and a valuable opportunity to see and hear operatic stars in roles for which they are renowned. Each segment is preceded by a concise contextual introduction by the featured soloist or the conductor. Linking three centuries of music, this collection spotlights performances of arias by composers from all over Europe.
• Yvonne Kenny introduces Purcell’s semi-opera The Fairy Queen and sings Titania’s aria "O weep for me," conducted by Nicholas Kok at the English National Opera; first produced in 1692
• Ann Murray introduces Handel’s opera Xerxes and sings "If you worship the man who has spurned you," conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras at the English National Opera; first produced in 1738
• Christine Schäfer introduces Mozart’s Singspiel Die Entführung aus dem Serail and, as Constanze, sings "Martern aller Arten," conducted by Marc Minkowski at the Salzburg Festival; first produced in 1782
• Dame Joan Sutherland introduces Bellini’s opera Norma and sings "Casta diva" from Act I, conducted by Richard Bonynge at the Opera Australia; first produced in 1831
• Roberto Alagna introduces Donizetti’s opera L’elisir d’amore and, as Nemorino, sings "Quanto e bella, quanto e cara" and "Una furtiva lagrima," conducted by Evelino Pido at the Opera National de Lyon; first produced in 1832
• Konstantin Pluzhnikov introduces Glinka’s opera Ruslan and Lyudmila and sings "Finn’s Ballad" from Act II, Scene I, conducted by Valéry Gergiev at the Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg; first produced in 1842
If opera is the crowning achievement of music and drama, the aria—a virtuoso’s showcase for passionate expression—is the jewel in the crown.
»»﴿───► See more on the Musicians Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIZqvqbtz9I1K6PVM1EnYb14Fxxzam9sr
»»﴿───► See more on the Documentary Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIZqvqbtz9I0A1T78lAPpY0RN5oM9Gq5c
Check out the Patreon rewards! patreon.com/ManufacturingIntellect
Gathering outstanding performances from the 1980s and ’90s, this two-part series is both an exhilarating introduction to opera and a valuable opportunity to see and hear operatic stars in roles for which they are renowned. Each segment is preceded by a concise contextual introduction by the featured soloist or the conductor. Linking three centuries of music, this collection spotlights performances of arias by composers from all over Europe.
• Yvonne Kenny introduces Purcell’s semi-opera The Fairy Queen and sings Titania’s aria "O weep for me," conducted by Nicholas Kok at the English National Opera; first produced in 1692
• Ann Murray introduces Handel’s opera Xerxes and sings "If you worship the man who has spurned you," conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras at the English National Opera; first produced in 1738
• Christine Schäfer introduces Mozart’s Singspiel Die Entführung aus dem Serail and, as Constanze, sings "Martern aller Arten," conducted by Marc Minkowski at the Salzburg Festival; first produced in 1782
• Dame Joan Sutherland introduces Bellini’s opera Norma and sings "Casta diva" from Act I, conducted by Richard Bonynge at the Opera Australia; first produced in 1831
• Roberto Alagna introduces Donizetti’s opera L’elisir d’amore and, as Nemorino, sings "Quanto e bella, quanto e cara" and "Una furtiva lagrima," conducted by Evelino Pido at the Opera National de Lyon; first produced in 1832
• Konstantin Pluzhnikov introduces Glinka’s opera Ruslan and Lyudmila and sings "Finn’s Ballad" from Act II, Scene I, conducted by Valéry Gergiev at the Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg; first produced in 1842
