Giuseppe Verdi

Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi (1813-1901) was an Italian composer, mainly of opera. He was the most influential member of the 19th century's Italian School of Opera. His works are frequently performed in opera houses throughout the world and, transcending the boundaries of the genre, some of his themes have long since taken root in popular culture - such as "La donna è mobile" from Rigoletto and "Libiamo ne' lieti calici" from La traviata. Oftentimes scoffed at by the critics, in his lifetime and today, as catering to the tastes of the common folk.