Giuseppe Verdi

Date of Birth: October 10, 1813

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: January 27, 1901

Biography

Giuseppe Verdi, born Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi, was an iconic Italian composer of the Romantic era, primarily known for his operas. He was born on October 10, 1813, in Le Roncole, a small village in the Duchy of Parma, which is now part of Italy. Verdi’s music is celebrated for its emotional depth, intricate orchestration, and robust character development. His operas like “La Traviata,” “Aida,” “Rigoletto,” and “Il Trovatore” are staples in the operatic repertoire worldwide. Verdi showed musical talent from an early age and received his first music lessons from the local church organist. He later studied in Milan, where he began to make a name for himself as a composer. Despite facing personal tragedies, including the deaths of his wife and children early in his career, Verdi continued to compose and achieved great success. His works often reflected the political and social issues of his time, contributing to the Italian unification movement known as the Risorgimento. Throughout his career, Verdi was known for his rigorous work ethic and innovative contributions to opera. He retired to his estate, Villa Verdi, in Sant’Agata, where he continued to compose until his death on January 27, 1901. Verdi remains one of the most influential composers in the history of Western classical music.

5 Interesting Facts about Giuseppe Verdi

1. Verdi’s opera “Nabucco,” particularly the chorus “Va, pensiero,” became an unofficial anthem for the Italian unification movement.

2. He was initially rejected by the Milan Conservatory, which is now named after him.

3. Verdi served as a member of the Italian parliament from 1861 to 1865.

4. His last opera, “Falstaff,” was a comedy, a departure from his usual dramatic works, and it premiered when he was 79 years old.

5. Verdi was a philanthropist and founded a home for retired musicians in Milan, known as the Casa di Riposo per Musicisti.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Giuseppe Verdi

1. “You may have the universe if I may have Italy.”

2. “Of all composers, past and present, I am the least learned.”

3. “To copy the truth can be a good thing, but to invent the truth is better, much better.”

4. “I adore art… when I am alone with my notes, my heart pounds and the tears stream from my eyes, and my emotion and my joys are too much to bear.”

5. “Let us turn to the past: that will be progress.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Giuseppe Verdi was estimated to be around 20 million Italian lire at the time of his death, which would be equivalent to several million dollars today.

Children

Giuseppe Verdi had two children with his first wife, Margherita Barezzi: Virginia Maria Luigia Verdi and Icilio Romano Verdi. Tragically, both children died in infancy.