Rossini's fame was so widespread that Stendhal, his first biographer, compared it to Napoleon's, noting it knew no bounds save those of civilization itself.
Compositional Technique
Almost all of Rossini's overtures follow a similar structure: a slow introduction followed by a fast Allegro section, typically a sonata form without development.
Compositional Technique
Rossini was famous for his use of the crescendo, a technique where the same phrases are progressively reiterated louder, creating overwhelming tension and satisfaction upon release.
Performer Biography
Michele Mariotti, the conductor, grew up in Pesaro, Rossini's birthplace, and considers the composer a part of his life.
Compositional Technique
Rossini frequently reused overtures for different operas; for example, the overture to Il barbiere di Siviglia was originally composed for Aureliano in Palmira.
Historical Context
Rossini's music, with its rapidity, novelty, intensity, and loudness, was considered by early 19th-century audiences to be the 'soundtrack of the present' — a fast, noisy, confusing, but exciting era.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Rossini's overtures often anticipated the elements and situations of the musical drama, rather than serving as mere introductions.
