1. Gioacchino Antonio Rossini February 29, 1792 — November 13, 1868
Master of the early 19th century Italian opera

2. Bio Father: horn player Mother: opera singer
He made his first stage debut in an opera at age 7.
Wrote 35 operas from age 18 to 37
Wrote church music & chamber music until his death

3. Famous Operas Il barbiere di Siviglia ‘The Barber of Seville’
Best known opera
Written in about 3 weeks time
The première (under the title Almaviva, or the Useless Precaution) took place on February 20, 1816, in Rome.
A loud and unruly audience and a series of mishaps onstage, including a problem with a trap-door and cat that wandered onto the set.
Considered one of the best comic operas of all time
Overture:
Barber’s opening aria: “Largo al factotum”

4. More Famous Operas La Cenerentola ‘Cinderella’
2nd most popular opera of Rossini
He substituted bracelet for the glass slipper because it was taboo for a woman to show her “naked foot” on stage.
French Guillaume Tell ‘William Tell’
Final opera written, rarely performed because it is 5 hours in length!