Verdi, Guiuseppe. The most eminent Italian composer of the nineteenth century. Was born at Roncole, in Parma, 1813. Verdi was educated at the Academy at Bussetto and at the Conservatory at Milan. His first opera, "Oberto," appeared in 1839, and he won wide recognition with "Nabuccodonosor," "I Lombardi," and "Ernani," 1842-44. During 1851-52 Verdi achieved international fame with "Rigoletto," "Il Trovatore," and "La Traviata." His later works, "Aida," "Manzoni Requiem," "Otello," and "Falstaff" added to his great earlier triumphs. In 1898 he founded a home for invalid musicians at Milan. Verdi died in 1901.

---