Life and Times of Giuseppe Verdi
Uploaded by megatow on Dec 06, 2004
The trials and tests that Giuseppe Verdi endured was a catalyst for the musical works that he was to compose; ultimately assisting in making him one of times most relished romantic composers. Such works as Oberto and I Lobartti, were operas that helped to catapult Verdi into the musical spotlight.
Born in 1813 in the small Italian village of Le Roncole Italy, Giuseppe started his illustrious life. In contrast to his traditional family work of landowning, and tavern owners, Giuseppe wanted to play music. At age seven he was already helping his church organist at San Michele Arcangelo, it was there that he was an altar boy in addition. It was around this time the Giuseppe moved to Busetto to and attended a music school that happened to be run by Antonio Provesi. By age thirteen he had become the assistant conductor of the Busetto orchestra. When completed with his schooling at the music school he applied for admission to the Milan Conservatory, where he was denied! It was then that Vincenzo Lavigna, A composer and maestro at La Scala, took him under his wing and taught him.
In 1836, just as his tutelage was coming to an end, he married his childhood sweetheart, Margherita Barezzi. In addition to his marrige he was named the “Municipal Music Master of Busetto”…Life was good. The beginning of 1837, the couple had their first child together: Virginia Verdi was born in March of 1837. It was at this time that his first opera, Oberto was brought to the stage and ran for multiple performances; it was critically acclaimed. But just as things were on the rise for Verdi tragedy hit. Over the course of one short year, Giuseppe lost his son, his daughter and his wife; all to disease, and he was torn and discouraged. Verdi pledged to never write a musical comedy again.
The following years, his musical abilities were unleashed. With his next work, Nabucco, It was said that his career had just begun. While rehearsing this opera, carpenters making repairs to...