Gioachino Rossini

Date of Birth: February 29, 1792

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: November 13, 1868

Biography

Gioachino Rossini was an Italian composer born on February 29, 1792, in Pesaro, a town on the Adriatic coast of Italy. He is best known for his operas, particularly his comic operas, which have remained popular to this day. Rossini showed exceptional musical talent from a young age, learning the harpsichord and singing by the time he was six. His early education in music came from his parents; his father was a trumpeter and his mother a singer. Rossini’s first opera, “La cambiale di matrimonio,” premiered in 1810 when he was just 18 years old. He went on to compose 39 operas, the most famous of which include “The Barber of Seville,” “Cinderella,” and “William Tell.” His works were known for their lively melodies, innovative orchestration, and the use of crescendo, which has since been dubbed the “Rossini crescendo.” In 1829, after the premiere of “William Tell,” Rossini retired from composing operas at the age of 37, although he continued to write smaller pieces and religious music. He spent much of his later life in Paris, where he became a central figure in the city’s musical and social life. Rossini passed away on November 13, 1868, in Passy, which is now part of Paris.

5 Interesting Facts about Gioachino Rossini

1. Rossini composed his first opera, “La cambiale di matrimonio,” at the age of 18.

2. He was known for his rapid composition speed, often completing operas in a matter of weeks.

3. Rossini was awarded the Légion d’Honneur by the French government in 1825.

4. Despite his early retirement from opera composition, he wrote many smaller works, including the “Sins of Old Age” piano pieces.

5. Rossini was a notorious gourmand and even has a dish named after him: Tournedos Rossini, a steak dish with foie gras and truffles.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gioachino Rossini

1. “Give me a laundry list and I’ll set it to music.”

2. “Eating, loving, singing, and digesting are, in truth, the four acts of this opera buffa that we call life.”

3. “Wagner has lovely moments but awful quarters of an hour.”

4. “Delight must be the basis and aim of this art. Simple, naïve delight, quite free from foreign associations.”

5. “Every kind of music is good, except the boring kind.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Rossini was one of the wealthiest composers of his time. At the peak of his career, his net worth was estimated to be equivalent to several million dollars in today’s money, thanks to his successful operas and savvy financial management.