Overview
Drawing on numerous original documents provided by Verdi's descendants, the Carrara-Verdi family, this long awaited biography presents a reexamination of Verdi's life not only as a composer, but as a philanthropist and son of Italy. Matz places Verdi against a backdrop of a century of fierce Italian nationalism that dictated that not only musical, but political considerations permeate his life and work. Here too is a glimpse into the composer's personal life—his turbulent relationships with his friends and family, his dedication to his music, his passion for his country.
Upon his death in 1901 there were scenes of national mourning for the man whose actions had become a model, and music an inspiration to all of Italy. With an eloquent foreword by Andrew Porter, Verdi: A Biography brilliantly illuminates the life of the composer, patriot, and philanthropist who not only created the operas that would prosper generations after the artist, but who also emboldened the cultural pride of a country fighting for its freedom.
Many books have been written about Verdi's music, yet few have sufficiently covered Verdi the man. Now, in Verdi: A Biography, Phillips-Matz brings readers the result of more than 30 years' research on the life of this colossus of Italy. "A detailed portrait, based on remarkable detective work (and) serious scholarship."--Chicago Tribune. of photos. Map.