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Giuseppe Verdi changed the face of opera, taking the tuneful customs of his Italian predecessors Rossini and Donizetti, and putting the drama first - to create a new, more realistic style. The results were some of the most successful works the world has ever known; moving, profound and overwhelmingly dramatic operas, La Traviata, Aida, Otello, Falstaff, Nabucco, the list goes on. And Verdi the man was no less revolutionary. He championed the unification of Italy and his patriotic fervour is reflected in many of his operas. This two-part film is hosted by the famous English conductor Mark Elder, and mixes documentary with excerpts from Verdi's operas, specially staged by David Alden.