Rossini-William Tell Overture,Storm
Gioachino Rossini
Born: February 29, 1792, Pesaro, Italy
Died: November 13, 1868, Passy (outside Paris)
First Wife: Isabella Colbran an opera singer (1822-1845)
Second Wife: Olympe PĂ©lissier (1846-1868)
No Kids
Gioachino Rossini
His Wife (Olympe PĂ©lissier)
His Family's Crest
Family History
His parents were theater musicians, and at 13 he was a professional singer, horn player, and accompanist. At 15 he was studying theory with Padre in Bologna.
Adult Years
His first opra in was in 1813, and there were 29 more after that. He became the most famous composer in Europe from his very popular music.
What his career was like
He is known today by his many operas, including one called "The Barber of Seville" He was an opera composer for about 20 years (1810-1829)
What was the Musical Era?
He was in the Classical Era, where music has a lighter, clearer texture than Baroque music and is less complex. It makes use of emphasizing light elegance and impressive grandeur.
How did his music fit in?
He set liturgical texts like most composers of the time.
History of his music
He had 39 operas, and 21 are serious. Some of his pieces were sacred.
How it is usually heard
His music was heard in songs, catatas, piano, and many instuments.
Connection to the present
In Disney's Mickey Mouse, the song was played in the cartoon and is also still played at Disneyland in "Silly Symphony Swing Ride."
Here is a clip made by Disney called "The Band Concert"
Mickey Mouse & Friends - The Band Concert (1935)