Giuseppe 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 wife, 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.