Classical Music With Big Mike

The great Italian composer of the Romantic Era, known for his operas [especially his comic operas], Gioachino Rossini was born on the last day of February [29th] in the year 1792 in Pesaro, Italy. He died November 13, 1868 near Paris, France.

From Britannica Bio-Rossini: “[Rossini’s operas] The Barber of Seville (1816), Cinderella (1817), and Semiramide (1823) are among the best known. Of his later, larger-scale dramatic operas, the most widely heard is William Tell (1829).“

“Gioachino Rossini was the son of Giuseppe Rossini, an impoverished trumpeter who played in miscellaneous bands and orchestras, and Anna Guidarini, a singer of secondary roles. Thus, Rossini spent his entire childhood in the theatre [sic].”

“[Rossini broke the traditional form of opera buffa as he] embellished his melodies (he was the true creator of bel canto, a florid style of singing), animated his ensembles and finales, used unusual rhythms, restored to the orchestra its rightful place, and put the singer at the service of the music.”

When I think of my favorite overtures, the name of Rossini, always comes to mind. What great melodic music, what bright happy music, and in the case of some of his overtures like the William Tell Overture, what exciting, dramatic music.

Since this is a leap year, that means we can celebrate Gioachino Rossini’s heavenly birthday on this Thursday, the 29th of February.

So, please turn up the volume and enjoy some of the greatest and most beloved overtures ever composed by the Italian composer, Gioachino Rossini, on this his 232nd heavenly birthday:

The Barber of Seville Overture:

La gazza ladra (The Thieving Magpie):

La Scala di Seta Overture [Silken Ladder]:

Italian in Algiers Overture:

Guillaume [William] Tell Overture:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY #233 GIOACHINO ROSSINI