After being born to a provincial family in 1813, Giuseppe Verdi shows an exceptional talent for music at a young age.

Verdi and Margherita build a family while he pursues his music education; Verdi's connections in the cultural hub of Milan provide new opportunities and encourage him to compose his first opera.

As Verdi's opera "Nabucco" debuts in Milan, Giuseppina's voice deteriorates more, and the two grow closer.

Verdi and Giuseppina Strepponi live together as he continues writing operas.

Verdi's talent earns him fame and a number of accolades, including the French Legion of Honor; during rehearsals of "Il Trovatore," Verdi begins work on "La Traviata," but his muse escapes him.

Verdi tries to find his place in a new era as advancements in technology and the Bohemian culture movement sweep across Italy.