Opera Philadelphia
Giuseppe Verdi | Short Biography | Introduction To The Composer
Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), Roncole, Italy (at the time Italy did not exist, and as the region was controlled by the French, he had a French birth certificate). Comes from a family of traders and small landowners. Mother was a spinner, father a innkeeper. Verdi’s musical talent was evident from his early years, and was trained at the local church, where he was full-time organist by age nine. In 1823, moved to a nearby larger city of Busetto, where he composed and performed. Eventually moved into the house of Antonio Barezzi, a local merchant and amateur musician. Taught singing and piano to Barezzi’s daughter,Margherita, who he would later marry.
At age 18, moved to Milan and applied to the conservatory, but was rejected due to being over the age limit. Instead, began to study with Vincenzo Lavigna, a composer and maestro at the La Scala. In 1836 he married Margherita and accepted the position as maestro at Busetto Philharmonic.
1839 first opera Oberto - accepted by La Scala
Next opera Un giorno di regno - was a failure, and he would not compose again until the maestro at La Scala, Bartolomeo Merelli, forced the libretto Nabucco on him. This opera became a major success and ascended him to the light across Italy and Europe. He became a leading figure in the movement toward a free, united Italy.
After Nabucco, Verdi wrote 16 operas in 11 years. Rigoletto (produced in Venice), Il Trovatore, La Traviata. He spends time in Paris, once back in Rome premiered Un ballo in maschera.
He traveled extensively in Russia, Paris, Madrid, and London, supervising his operas. In the final three years, wrote Aida, Otherllo, and Falstaff.
Total 26 operas were written, died in Milan at 87, in 1901.
One of the greatest Italian Opera composers. Respected composers such as Richard Wagner, but had strong nationalistic convictions, deeply rooted in traditional Italian operas such as Bellini,
Best Verdi Works: 10 Essential Pieces By The Great Composer
La Forza Del Destino
Aida
Don Carlos
Falstaff
Il Trovatore
La Traviata
Otello
Rigoletto
Un Ballo In Maschera
Messa Da Requiem
When Verdi died, half the population of Milan showed up for his funeral, wow.
Here is the link to the photo at the time.
“To date, it remains the largest public assembly of any event in the history of Italy.”
The best books on Verdi recommended by Francesco Izzo
Great summary of books to read on Verdi. Introduction is also an interesting and educational read.
