Guiseppe Verdi

Question 1

In what way can Verdi be compared to Chopin?

Answer 1

Just as Chopin’s fame rests entirely on music for one instrument - the piano, Verdi is known primarily for his accomplishments in one genre - Italian Opera.

Question 2

Describe Verdi’s connection to the Barezzi family

Answer 2

wealthy patrons of Verdi in Busseto of whom he taught music lessons to and later married their daughter Margherita. The Barezzi’s patronage helped finance his music education in Milan.

Question 3

Describe some setbacks in Verdi’s life

Answer 3

• not accepted to conservatory of Milan
• first commission King for a Day failed miserably
• his wife and both children died within a two year period

Question 4

After some major setbacks in Verdi’s life, describe his comeback

Answer 4

triumphant return Nabucco launched him to international fame and began a vigorous creative period where he averaged a new opera every 9 months

Question 5

Describe Verdi’s involvement in nationalism and politics

Answer 5

name was an acronym for unification of Italy. After Italian unification, Verdi accepted a seat in the new Italian parliament for 4 years.

Question 6

Describe how Verdi supported other musicians

Answer 6

his will allocated a large sum to a retirement home for musicians in Milan - Casa di Riposo per Musicisti

Question 7

Two operas from Verdi’s first period

Answer 7

Il trovatore, La traviata

Question 8

Style of his second period

Answer 8

influence from French Grand Opera - longer works, larger cast.. Don Carlos, Aida

Question 9

Describe the style of his third period

Answer 9

explored new approaches to form including a more continuous musical design, moved away from traditional numbers approach

Question 10

describe three hallmarks of Verdi’s style

Answer 10

traditional harmonic language, conventional numbers approach, virtuoso coloratura arias