Verdi was born in the tiny and remote village of Roncole near Busetto a town in the then principality of Parma, Italy. His musical talent was discovered by his local priest and with the help of a local businessman he was given a good general education and under the local organist a fine training in music. In spite of terrible setbacks in his personal life he went on to become one of Italy's most successful composers of opera, even becoming for a time a figurehead and inspiration for the newly established state of Italy. The film traces his career and development over a long life and many operas. He never stood still and in his later years he produced some of his finest work. The film is followed by a brief overview of his compositions. AM077HD17 Verdi 2017 34'34