Verdi: Man and Musician is Frederick James Crowest’s biography of the great Italian opera composer, written with especial reference to Verdi’s English experiences and reception. Crowest recounts the life of the composer of Rigoletto, La traviata, Aida, and Otello, tracing his long and triumphant career.
The book follows Verdi from his humble origins through his domination of the Italian operatic stage and his enduring popularity abroad, with particular attention to his standing in Britain. Crowest combines biography with appreciation of the great works. As an English-language life of Verdi from the period of his fame, it offers an affectionate and informative account of one of opera’s supreme masters.