Giuseppe Verdi, that colossus of opera and courageous nation-builder, was celebrated in New York last week in four distinct ways. There were important visitors from Parma, where Verdi is venerated. A small rendering of one of his early works got right to the core of his musical essence. And a performance of Simon Boccanegra at the Met instantly joined the short list of the greatest nights of opera I have ever experienced.

Had Verdi (1813-1901) just written two or three of his many masterpieces, he would still hold a place among the greatest opera composers. Had Verdi, through his music, only been the voice and conscience of the Italian people as they struggled to form their republic in the mid-19th century, he still would be considered among the most important political figures of his time.

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Source: http://www.wqxr.org/