Guiseppe Verdi is regarded as the most popular of all popular opera composers.
Born in a small town in Italy, he walked barefoot three miles to the village
church every Sunday in order to keep his shoes clean for his participation in
church services as organist. He swore never to compose again after the death
of his life, but changed his tune after reading a libretto about Jews exiled
from their homeland. It awakened his nationalist yearnings to see the Italian
people liberated from Austrian domination, and brought forth the famous piece,
Nabuco, which was enormously successful, and set him on his path towards
fame. For more information on this artist, consult the web resources below. |
2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education