Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 February 1901 — Verdi Born in Poverty. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Verdi Born in Poverty.

Giuseppe Verdi, who died in Milan a few days ago, was the child of poor parents who conducted a little grocery

store at Le Roncole, near Busetto, in Italy. There the musician was born Oct. 10, 1813. Music was a passion with him from his childhood. His extraordinary talent was first discovered by a poor traveling violinist named Bagarset.

who advised his father to encourage his son in the study of music. Thirty years later, when Verdi had became famous, the old musician was still alive and received many benefits from the man whom he had befriended. “Falstaff,” wjiich was written by Verdi in 1893 in his 80th year, is regarded by many critics as equal to any opera he ever produced. Its delightful humor is admirably suited to the Shakespearean comedy to which it is wed. After 1893, a “Stabat Mater” and an “Ave Maria,” were composed by Verdi, but he devoted the remaining years of his life mainly to the building of a home for aged musicians.

Giuseppe Verdi.