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Verdi
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Today
Milano, located in Lombardia, in the North of Italy,
is Italy’s cultural, industrial and financial center. But in the past it
was known as one of the most important centers of opera
in the world. The horseshoe-shaped "Teatro alla
Scala"
was built in 1776 after the Regio Teatro Ducale was destroyed by a blazing
fire. This neo-classic, severe building was completed in less than two
years. It stands on the site of the demolished church of Santa Maria alla
Scala, built in 1381 by Regina della Scala. The 'la Scala' is one of the
most perfect theatres in the world, with 2,289 seats. A few of the most
important operas' premieres took place here: Verdi's
Nabucco (in 9th March 1842), Otello
(5th February 1887) and Falstaff (9 February
1893).
Opera's greatest composer, Giuseppe
Verdi was born not far away in a little village of Roncole
. When he was young he made a request to the Milan
Conservatorio.
However the request was rejected. So Verdi came to study privately in Milan
with a small grant given to him from a patron. In 1836, he got a job as
music teacher in Busseto
and left Milan, to get back a few years later.
He died in Milan in 1901 and burried in "Casa
di Reposo per Musicisti"
(Rest Home for Musicians).
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