Rossini wrote 39 operas as well as songs, chamber music, and sacred music, borrowing from himself quite often (not an unusual occurrence among composers). He retired from opera composing at the age of 37 due to poor health and moved back and forth between cities in Italy and Paris, dying in Paris at age 76.
Rossini was a master of the overture, even if they were formulaic in nature. His last opera, Guillaume Tell (William Tell), produced an overture that is immediately recognizable today, even if you’ve never heard an opera in your life – the theme to the Lone Ranger.
Although you might be even more familiar with the overture to Il barbiere di Siviglia (the Barber of Seville). Remember Bugs Bunny as the barber and Elmer Fudd as the customer? (“Yes, you’re next. You’re so next.”) Click on this link to Daily Motion and view the cartoon. For those who’d like to hear the real thing, click on the video below. When we first saw the Barber at the Minnesota Opera, I looked around at the crowd during the overture and more than one person displayed a huge grin, leading me to believe that once you’ve seen the cartoon, it’s impossible not to think of it when you hear the piece.
The burning question I still have about Rossini is, did he celebrate his birthday on February 28 or March 1? Happy birthday either way.
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