Friday, July 07, 2006

The never-give-up spirit of Verdi

Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi (10 October 1813 – 27 January 1901) was an Italian composer, mainly of opera. He was the most influential member of the 19th century's Italian School of Opera. His works are frequently performed in opera houses throughout the world.

Verdi had written his last opera "Falstaff" when he was eighty years old. Asked why he had taken up such a challenging opera at his age, he is reported to have said, "all my life as a musician, I have striven for perfection. It has always eluded me. I surely have an obligation to make one more try."

These are profoundly powerful words that can inspire and guide anyone to push forward, no matter what the obstacles that may appear in a person's life.

Verdi's last opera, Falstaff, based on Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsor became an international success. Verdi was a genius but he achieved his greatness by the power of his never-give-up spirit.

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