Opera: Rossini leads the way to Verdi.

Abstract

Rossini (1792–1868) seems indelibly associated with fun; many people’s first opera experience is his fizzy Il barbieri di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville , 1816), a rom-com for its time, a brilliant piece of propulsive theatrical and musical construction, composed early in his career. Or, we know the theme tune of The Lone Ranger — again with propulsive energy as a deep, characteristic part of the William Tell Overture , Rossini’s operatic swansong. For many, this is all they know of the composer who shook up 18th century operatic form, and prepared the way for the great Verdi. Recent times have allowed us to enjoy and understand more of his work; the 2014–2015 season has been particularly rich, and there is a glorious opportunity in the middle of March, at a cinema near you — read on ... In September 2014, The Barber opened the season in London and Paris. Meanwhile, The Welsh National Opera had a double bill of Guillaume Tell (William Tell) and his …