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Gioacchino Antonio Rossini

Gioacchino Antonio Rossini (Composer)

Born: 29th February 1792, Pesaro

Died: 13th November 1868, Paris

Nationality: Italian

Gioachino Antonio Rossini was an Italian composer who gained fame for his 39 operas, although he also wrote many songs, some chamber music and piano pieces, and some sacred music. He set new standards for both comic and serious opera before retiring from large-scale composition while still in his thirties, at the height of his popularity.

Born in Pesaro to parents who were both musicians (his father a trumpeter, his mother a singer), Rossini began to compose by the age of 12 and was educated at music school in Bologna. His first opera was performed in Venice in 1810 when he was 18 years old. In 1815 he was engaged to write operas and manage theatres in Naples.

Further Reading: Rossini

Interview, Lisette Oropesa on French bel canto

As she prepares for the opening night of Handel's Alcina at Covent Garden tomorrow, the Cuban-American soprano discusses her new album of French opera arias by Donizetti and Rossini on Pentatone.

Recording of the Week, Rossini's Messa di Gloria from Antonio Pappano

The Cinderella of Rossini's sacred works goes to the ball in fine style, with stand-out performances from tenors Lawrence Brownlee and Michael Spyres, and some delectable obbligatos from the woodwind principals of Pappano's Roman orchestra.

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