Giuseppe Verdi was an Italian opera composer, born in 1813. He had a difficult start in life but showed an interest in music from an early age. He composed over 30 operas, including La Traviata and Aida, which are still performed today. Verdi’s works often referenced current political events and his compositions are known for their unique musical arrangements. He is remembered as one of the most important composers in history.
Giuseppe Verdi, born in 1813, was an Italian opera composer. His work is well known throughout the world and a number of his works including La Traviata (1853) and Aida (1871) are still widely performed by opera companies. Giuseppe Verdi had a varied and interesting life, eventually enjoying immense fame for his work, although his beginnings were difficult.
Giuseppe Verdi was born in Roncole, Italy, to poor parents. From an early age it was evident that he had an interest in music. Verdi learned to play the church organ and at the age of 12 moved to the nearby town of Busseto to study music with Antonio Provesi. After completing four years of study there, Giuseppe Verdi had years of organ experience to his credit, along with several original compositions.
In 1832 Giuseppe Verdi moved to Milan and applied to study at the prestigious music conservatory. He was not accepted, even though one of his examiners recommended a teacher with whom he could study. For the next three years Giuseppe Verdi studied with Vincenzo Lavigna, a composer who had also performed at the famous La Scala theatre.
In 1835 he returned to Busseto where he was appointed master of city music. He also married Margherita Barezzi, with whom he had two children. A series of illnesses led to the death of his wife and children in 1840. A member of La Scala witnessed Verdi’s despair and encouraged him to work on a new opera. This opera was to be the turning point in Giuseppe Verdi’s career, and although Nabuco is not often performed today, the opera had a profound effect on the Italy of Verdi’s time.
Giuseppe Verdi only rose in popularity afterwards, composing over thirty operas ranging from Rigoletto (1851), to several Shakespeare plays including Macbeth (1847) and Othello (1887). His operas were performed at many famous venues including La Scala and the Venice Opera House by some of the most renowned operatic talents of the day. Like other compositions of the period, Verdi’s operas frequently referenced current political events, which sometimes got him into trouble with censors and critics.
His compositions are characterized by peculiar and sometimes difficult arias, unique musical arrangements and enthralling music that stirs the listener’s soul. His works are among the most performed in the world and his contribution to music is well remembered. At his funeral in 1901, 28,000 people took to the streets to pay their respects.
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