Episodes

SeriesEpisodeFirst
Broadcast
RepeatedComments
2009012009113020100823 (R3)Op退ra-Comique can be a kind of opera, an institution or a building. All three have strong links with each other and specific characteristics which were quite different to the other types of opera on offer. Donald Macleod and his guest Karen Henson, an Assistant Professor at Columbia University with a special interest in French opera unravel the intricacies of nineteenth century Parisian operatic life.

0ver the course of five programmes they'll be looking at some of the big names of the 19th century including Bizet, Massenet, and Boieldieu, who penned the runaway hit La dame blanche. Boieldieu's own life story could make him a character in one of his own op退ra-comiques. The series draws to a close in classic op退ra-comique territory with the tragic finale of Auber's version of Manon.

Donald Macleod defines some of the characteristics of the Opera-Comique genre.

2009022009120120100824 (R3)Donald Macleod and Karen Henson on Opera-Comique's roots in the 18th century.
2009032009120220100825 (R3)Donald Macleod and Karen Henson explore the influence of Napoleon on Opera-Comique.
2009042009120320100826 (R3)The genesis of Paris's Th退 tre-Lyrique came from a group of like-minded composers and dramatists including Berlioz, Adolphe Adam and Ambroise Thomas. They petitioned the authorities to create a third opera house specifically dedicated to staging works of lesser known composers. When it finally became a reality, its repertoire came into direct competition with the long established Op退ra-Comique. With Donald Macleod and guest Karen Henson.

Donald Macleod examines the impact of the Theatre-Lyrique, a rival to the Opera-Comique.

200905 LAST2009120420100827 (R3)The demise of the Th退 tre-Lyrique and the destruction and subsequent rebuilding of the Op退ra-Comique saw an increase in productions of Op退ra-Comique in other Parisian theatres. In this final programme Donald Macleod and guest Karen Henson look at the developments in Op退ra-Comique on the cusp of the twentieth century.

Donald Macleod explores Opera-Comique on the cusp of the 20th century.