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1813
Born on October 10 in Le Roncole, near Busseto, Italy.
1832
Moves to Milan to pursue musical studies, entering the vibrant center of Italian operatic life.
1835
Marries Margherita Barezzi, daughter of his patron and early supporter.
1838
Loses both of his children within a short period, a devastating personal tragedy.
1839
His opera Oberto achieves success at La Scala in Milan, launching his professional career.
1840
His wife Margherita dies, and his second opera fails, plunging him into a period of deep discouragement.
1842
The premiere of Nabucco establishes his reputation and secures his place in Italian opera.
1842–1851
A period he later called his “galley years”: he composes fourteen operas and forms a close relationship with Giuseppina Strepponi.
1851
Rigoletto premieres, marking a new level of dramatic intensity and musical innovation.
1853
Il Trovatore and La Traviata are completed, solidifying his international stature.
1859
Marries Giuseppina Strepponi, his lifelong companion and artistic partner.
1871
Aida premieres in Cairo, combining grand spectacle with refined dramatic writing.
1874
The Requiem is performed at San Marco in Milan, revealing the profound spiritual dimension of his music.
1887
Composes Otello, demonstrating renewed creative vitality in later life.
1893
Completes Falstaff, his final opera, marked by wit, flexibility, and mature mastery.
1901
Dies on January 27 in Milan. His funeral becomes a national event, reflecting the immense impact of his legacy on Italian cultural life.