GIUSEPPE VERDI

         Giuseppe Verdi was an Italian operatic composer. He was born on October 10, 1813, in Roncole. Verdi first studied mu­sic in the town of Busseto. In 1832, Verdi was rejected to study with the Milan Conservatory, because of his age. He became the pupil of composer Vincenzo Lavigna.

        Then Giuseppe returned to Busseto in 1833. At the age of 25 Verdi again went to Milan. His first opera, Oberto, was pro­duced at La Scala with some success in 1839. His next work, the comic opera King for a Day, 1840, was a failure. After, Verdi had suffered the deaths of his wife and two children; he decided to give up composing. More than a year later, Giuseppe returned and he wrote the successful opera Nabucco (1842). After Nabucco he wrote Lombardi (1843) and then Ernani (1844), both had great success. Verdi’s three following works, Rigoletto (1851), Trovatore (1853), and La Traviata (1853), brought him international fame and remain among the most popular operas.

        Operas, written in the middle of Verdi’s career, include A Masked Ball, 1859, The Force of Destiny, 1862), Don Carlos (1867) and Aida (1871). Verdi’s other non operatic composi­tions include Hymn of the Nations, 1862 and the String Quar­tet in E minor (1873). In his 70s, Verdi produced his greatest piece Otello (1887). It was followed by Verdi’s last opera, Falstaff (1893). Verdi died on January 27, 1901, in Milan. Verdi’s works are moat noted for their intensity of spirituality and height of musical emotion.

QUESTIONS:

1. What was Giuseppe Verdi?

2. When was he born?

3. Why was Verdi rejected to study with the Milan Conser­vatory?

4. Who was the teacher of young Giuseppe Verdi?

5. When did Giuseppe Verdi return to Busseto?

6. Why did Verdi give up composing for some time?

7. What are the most famous Verdi’s pieces?

8. When did Giuseppe Verdi die?

VOCABULARY:

operatic composer — оперный композитор

to reject — отказать в образовании

to return — возвратиться

comic opera — комическая опера

failure — неудача, провал

to suffer — страдать

fame — слава

to remain — оставаться

to include — включать

piece — музыкальное произведение

spirituality — духовность