Giuseppe Verdi was the most influential composer of Italian opera in the 19th century. His works, such as 'La Traviata,' 'Rigoletto,' and 'Aida,' are cornerstones of the global repertoire. Verdi's music was deeply intertwined with the Italian unification movement (Risorgimento). The chorus 'Va, pensiero' from his opera 'Nabucco' became an unofficial anthem for Italian patriots seeking freedom from Austrian rule. Verdi was a master of melody and dramatic pacing, moving opera away from the rigid structures of the past toward a more continuous, emotionally charged flow. Despite personal tragedies, including the early death of his first wife and children, Verdi continued to compose into his late 70s, producing masterpieces like 'Otello' and the comic opera 'Falstaff.' His funeral in Milan remains one of the largest public gatherings in Italian history, reflecting his status as a national hero.