Verdi knew that he had written a very popular melody .
Verdi provided the score to the singer at the premiere , Raffaele Mirate , only shortly before the premiere and had Verdi swear not to sing or whistle the tune outside rehearsals .
Verdi knew that he had written a very popular melody , so he provided the score to the singer at the premiere , Raffaele Mirate , only shortly before the premiere and had him swear not to sing or whistle the tune outside rehearsals .