Giuseppe Verdi

(1813-1901) One of the great composers of Italian Opera, Giuseppe Verdi's work was incredibly popular during his lifetime and still remains popular. Verdi's works also have resonances with Italian nationalism (e.g. "Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves" in Aida). Some of his major works include Rigoletto, Aida and Il Trovatore. He died of a stroke in 1901, his funeral was extremely well attended, a quarter of a million mourners were present to show their respect to one of the most important figures in Italian music.