It's Puccini vs. Verdi

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Classical Music, Sunday 30 November 9pm

The great Italian opera composer Giacomo Puccini died 90 years ago yesterday on the 29 November 1924, so tonight Catherine Bott marks the anniversary by weighing in to a controversy that still rages among opera lovers: 'Who is the greater composer - Verdi or Puccini?'

DISCOVER: Ten reasons why we love Puccini > 

Giuseppe Verdi is often considered to have the upper hand when it comes to complexity of music and dramatic depth. But who can resist the sheer melodic power and emotion of Puccini's Madam Butterfly, La bohème or Tosca?

GALLERY: Verdi - 20 facts about the Great Composer > 

To illustrate both sides of the argument, Catherine has some of the greatest music from both composers, including a chance to hear Puccini's less well-known instrumental music and his choral masterpiece, Messa di Gloria.