CHAPTER II

CLERK, STUDENT, AND PROFESSOR

Verdi goes into the world--Office-boy in Barezzi's establishment--Congenial surroundings--An exceptional employer--Verdi becomes a pupil of Provesi--A painstaking copyist--Verdi wanted for a priest--Latin elements--Appointed organist of Roncole--A record salary--Barezzi's encouragement of Verdi's tastes--Father Seletti and Verdi's organ-playing--Provesi's status and friendship towards Verdi--Milan training for Verdi--Refused at the _Conservatoire_--Experience and training needed--Study under Vincenzo Lavigna of La Scala--Death of Provesi, and assumption of his Busseto duties by Verdi 16