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

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

3. Famous Operas Il barbiere di Siviglia ‘The Barber of Seville’ 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: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhL1nLuXN4o&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhL1nLuXN4o&feature=related Barber’s opening aria: “Largo al factotum” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq_0wPYFp9A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq_0wPYFp9A

4. More Famous Operas La Cenerentola ‘Cinderella’ La Cenerentola ‘Cinderella’ 2 nd 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. 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’ French Guillaume Tell ‘William Tell’ Final opera written, rarely performed because it is 5 hours in length! Final opera written, rarely performed because it is 5 hours in length!