Contents
Giuseppe Verdi
Writing Rigoletto, La traviata and Aida, which helped define Italian opera.
Rigoletto · La traviata
- Born
- October 1813
- Birthplace
- Le Roncole, Italy
- Died
- 27 January 1901
More people
Giuseppe Verdi
Giuseppe Verdi was an Italian composer whose dramatic operas span more than five decades. He also became associated with Italian national identity and supported public causes.
Early life
Village upbringing
Born near Busseto, where his family ran an inn and shop; learned music locally.
A patron’s help
Antonio Barezzi supported his education, including private study in Milan after the conservatory rejected his application.
Career
- 1839
La Scala debut
Oberto became his first staged opera.
- 1842
National recognition
Nabucco’s success established him after personal losses and an unsuccessful second opera.
- 1887–1893
Late return
Returned to Shakespeare with Otello and Falstaff, extending his career into old age.
Selected work
Rigoletto
A court jester’s attempt to protect his daughter ends in tragedy.
La traviata
An opera about a courtesan whose love collides with social expectations.
Aida
A large-scale opera set in ancient Egypt, first performed in Cairo.
Beyond work
Public service
Served in the first Italian parliament and later became a senator.
Retired musicians
Founded Milan’s Casa di Riposo per Musicisti to provide a home for musicians in need.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Photo: Ferdinand Mulnier. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
