Career
In April 1844, Verdi took on Muzio, eight years his junior, as a pupil and amanuensis. He had known him since about 1828 as a protégé of his own supporter, Antonio Barezzi. Muzio, who in fact was Verdi"s only pupil, became indispensable to the composer.
He reported to Barezzi that Verdi "has a breadth of spirit, of generosity, a wisdom." The relationship was to grow stronger, and Muzio remained a life-long friend.
In November 1846, Muzio wrote of Verdi: "If you could see us, I seem more like a friend, rather than his pupil. He was chosen by Verdi as one of the executors of his will, but predeceased the composer in 1890.
Muzio was conductor of the Italian Opera in Brussels in 1852 as well as conducting in London and at the Academy of Music in New York City. In 1875, he settled in Paris as a vocal teacher.
His students include Carlotta Patti and Clara Louise Kellogg.