Verdi, Guiseppe

Verdi taught in the school, directed rehearsals and appeared as a pianist at the Philharmonic Society. During this time he did a great deal of composing- mostly marches and other types of music under Provesi's guidance.
             In 1831, Verdi moved into the home of Barezzi. He gave singing and piano lessons to Barezzi's daughter Marghertia. The two of them soon fell in love and became "unofficially" engaged, due to their young age. In 1832, Giuseppe's father was persuaded by Barezzi to apply for a monetary grant that was only available to poor young persons with exceptional talent, so that Giuseppe could study at a prestigious institution. Barezzi promised Giuseppe financial assistance for one year. His support was necessary because the grant would not be available until the following year. The citizens of Busseto also produced a fund to send Giuseppe to Milan to study at the Conservatory. Giuseppe's application was turned down because he was regarded as too old. He was four years over the "normal" age of fourteen, he did not have the exceptional skills required, and he had insufficient training. Even though he was denied acceptance, the examiners thought highly of his composing skills, and recommended that he study privately with the composer Vincenzo Lavigna, an opera composer with many years of experience at La Scala Theater in Milan. Through Lavigna, Verdi became familiar with operatic music. Lavigna instructed him and helped him to get to know the music industry of Milan. Verdi learned first hand by nightly attendances at La Scala as well as other theaters around Milan. In 1834, Verdi contributed as a musical director at the Milanese Philharmonic. His piece was so successful that he was asked to take over the remainder of the performances. As a result of his success, the conductor of the Milanese Philharmonic urged him to write an opera and sent him a libretto,Oberto, Conte di San Bonifacio.