Born on October 9, 1813 in Italy, Verdi had an interest in music since he was young. In 1832 he left to study music at a conservatory in Milan, but failed the entrance exam. While in Milan Verdi began composing music, and he later traveled back home to marry Margherita Barezzi. His wife died after he composed his second opera called Un Giorno di Regno; which was a comedy. As he continued to compose music, the styles of his operas began to change, and the vocal music was considered to be “dramatic.” In 1895 he wanted to build a retirement home for musicians, and continued to compose music. He died six days after having a stroke in 1901. He also asked for no music to be played during his funeral, but people still sung the chorus from Nabucco as they carried his coffin. ( )