Gioacchino Rossini (jyo-ah-KEE-no    ro-SEE-nee)

Born February 29, 1792 in Pesaro, Italy

Died November 13, 1868

Nationality: Italian

Period/Style: Romantic

About the composer:

Rossini wrote over forty operas in about twenty years.  That’s a lot of music!  Some were about serious subjects, and some were funny.  He was known as the master composer of his generation.  He actually “retired” at the age of 36, much younger than most composers (or most people) do.  When he retired from writing opera, he spent his remaining 39 years pursuing his love of cooking (and eating!).  He hosted lots of dinner parties for his friends.  “I know of no more admirable occupation than eating,” he said.  He did write a few more pieces of music during that period, but most of it was rather insignificant, compared to his great operas.  Rossini was married twice, both times to opera singers.  His great masterpiece, “The Barber of Seville,” was first performed in Rome when he was only 24 years old.  His last opera was “William Tell,” with its familiar overture. Rossini had a great sense of humor, and loved to joke around and play tricks on his friends.

About the music:

Aria from “The Barber of Seville” (7 min)

This aria is sung by the main character in the opera, the barber (named “Figaro”), in which he tells who he is and what he does.  It’s one of the great opera arias of all time.  (It was also used in a Bugs Bunny cartoon.)  This opera is a comic opera, and if you ever have a chance to see it, especially if it’s sung in English, you might find it very funny!

Overture to the opera “William Tell” (11-12 min)

This overture contains one of the most popular tunes in all of classical music. You won’t hear it until about halfway through the overture, but I’m pretty sure you’ll recognize it when you do. The trumpets will “announce” it for you!  Listen for a beautiful English Horn solo in the slow section.

Suggested activities:

What is an English Horn and to what “family” of instruments does it belong?

Mozart also wrote an opera about a character named “Figaro.”  Can you find out the name of that opera?