Why is giuseppe verdi important?

Answer 1

In addition to being one of the most significant and prolific Italian Opera composers of the period (Falstaff, Otello, Aida, il Trovatore, La Traviata, Rigoletto, Nabucco, Simon Bocanegra, to name but a few), his moving opera choruses became anthems of the Risorgimento, the Italian nationalist movement that united with the Unification of Italy in 1861. So much so was Verdi associated with the movement that his name became an acronym: Vittorio Emmanuele Re D'Italia (Victor Emmanuel, King of Italy). People would often say "Viva VERDI" as a way to proclaim allegiance to the King.

Also, the chorus from Nabucco, "Va', pensiero" has become somewhat of a national hymn. While the opera context it speaks of the Jews in exile during the Babylonian captivity, it resonated with many Italians who felt still "captive" by different dominions under a fragmented, pre-unification state.