Giuseppe Verdi is a 19th century Italian composer best known for his operas, and many of his compositions are among the most frequently performed in repertoire. He was born in Le Rencole, a small Italian village, and despite his humble beginnings, his musical talent was recognized at a young age. He received formal musical training in nearby Busseto, and in 1839, Verdi made his opera debut with Oberto, Conte di San Bonifacio, signaling the start of a successful career. His other works include Rigoletto, La Traviata, Aida, and Don Carlos, all of which remain staples of opera repertoire today.

A significant aspect of Verdi's legacy is his contribution to the Risorgimento, the Italian unification movement in the 19th century. His operas, such as "Nabucco" and "I Lombardi alla prima crociata," provided a rallying cry for the Italian people in their quest for independence, and his music became an emblem of national pride.

Throughout his life, Verdi faced personal tragedies, including the loss of his wife and children. However, these experiences added depth and emotional resonance to his compositions, resulting in masterpieces that explore themes of love, sacrifice, and human nature. His career and work had strong impacts on the world of opera that are still felt to this day.

Emilie Mayer, a Romantic German composer, is a remarkable and pioneering figure in the history of classical music, whose compositions have often been overshadowed by her male contemporaries. Born in the 19th century in Friedland, a small German town, she defied societal norms and gender expectations to establish herself as a popular composer at the time.

Mayer's musical talent was evident from an early age, and she received her early training in Berlin under the guidance of renowned composers. Her exceptional abilities soon gained recognition, and she composed a substantial body of work across various genres, including symphonies, chamber music, and vocal compositions.

Despite the gender biases and challenges that she encountered, Emilie Mayer's determination and talent propelled her to become the first woman to be admitted to the prestigious Berlin Sing-Akademie, a groundbreaking achievement for her time. Her music was performed in prestigious venues across Europe, earning her recognition and admiration from fellow musicians and composers, including Franz Liszt and Robert Schumann. Though her music unfortunately became overshadowed by male composers, her works have recently began making a comeback in an effort to recognize and spotlight female composers.