* Gaetano Donizetti (1797–1848) was another Italian opera composer who was a contemporary of Verdi. Verdi was also influenced by Donizetti's music, and his operas often show a Donizetti influence.
* Vincenzo Bellini (1801–1835) was an Italian opera composer who is considered to be one of the greatest bel canto composers. Verdi was also influenced by Bellini's music, and his operas often show a Bellini influence.
* Richard Wagner (1813–1883) was a German composer who is considered to be one of the greatest composers of all time. Wagner's music had a profound influence on Verdi, and his later operas show a strong Wagner influence.