Born February 29, 1792; Pesaro, Italy
Died November 13, 1868; Paris, France
Guillaume Tell (William Tell): Overture 1829

COMPOSED

1829; 38 years old

Gioachino Antonio Rossini, born in 1792 in Pesaro, Italy, left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. A prodigious talent, he composed his first opera at the age of 18 and went on to create a total of 39 operas, earning acclaim for works like L’italiana in Algeri, The Barber of Seville, and La Cenerentola. Rossini’s innovative approach to melody, harmony, and dramatic form set new standards in both comic and serious opera during his prolific period from 1810 to 1823.

Despite his early retirement from large-scale composition in his thirties, Rossini continued to influence the musical scene. His later years were marked by a move to Paris, where he hosted renowned musical salons attended by luminaries like Franz Liszt and Giuseppe Verdi. During this time, he wrote entertaining pieces such as Péchés de vieillesse. Rossini’s final significant work, the Petite messe solennelle, was composed in 1863. His legacy endures as a cornerstone of classical music, with his impact still felt today. Rossini passed away in Paris in 1868, leaving behind a rich and enduring musical heritage.