Gioachino Rossini

Overture to the Barber of Seville

            There are any numbers of great composers who have been able to produce overtures that entertain, lift the spirits, and bring musical “sizzle” to a symphony concert.  But almost none excel those of Gioachino Rossini in sparkle, wit, and vivacity.  Their droll wit, sly contrasts of mood, and careening drive to the end are simply inimitable.  From their conception for Italian opera audiences primarily in the first decade of the nineteenth century, to their familiar use as springboards for movie and television high jinks today, they simply endure. 

Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers

            There are any numbers of great composers who have been able to produce overtures that entertain, lift the spirits, and bring musical “sizzle” to a symphony concert.  But almost none excel those of Gioachino Rossini in sparkle, wit, and vivacity.  Their droll wit, sly contrasts of mood, and careening drive to the end are simply inimitable.  From their conception for Italian opera audiences primarily in the first decade of the nineteenth century, to their familiar use as springboards for movie and television high jinks today, they simply endure. 

Overture to William Tell

            There are any numbers of great composers who have been able to produce overtures that entertain, lift the spirits, and bring musical “sizzle” to a symphony concert.  But almost none excel those of Gioachino Rossini in sparkle, wit, and vivacity.  Their droll wit, sly contrasts of mood, and careening drive to the end are simply inimitable.  From their conception for Italian opera audiences primarily in the first decade of the nineteenth century, to their familiar use as springboards for movie and television high jinks today, they simply endure.