CHAPTER III

COURTSHIP, MARRIAGE, AND FIRST OPERATIC SUCCESS

Verdi is engaged to Margarita Barezzi--His marriage--Seeks a wider field in Milan--An emergency conductor--Conductor of the Milan Philharmonic Society--His first opera, _Oberto, Conte di San Bonifacio_--Terms for production--Its success--A triple commission--A woman's sacrifice--Clouds--Death of his wife and children--_Un Giorno di Regno_ produced--A failure--Verdi disgusted with music--Destroys Merelli contract--The _Nabucco_ libretto forced on Verdi--Induced to set the book--Production of _Nabucco_ with success--Opposition from the critics--Mr. Lumley gives _Nabucco_ in London--Its performance and reception 27