Gioachino Rossini Born: February 29, 1792, in Pesaro, Italy Died: November 13, 1868, in Passy, near Paris, France Rossini is famous for: Writing 39 operas, plus sacred music, chamber pieces, and songs with sparkling melodies, rhythmic vitality, and dramatic flair. His most iconic Operas include The Barber of Seville (Il barbiere di Siviglia, 1816): A comic masterpiece still beloved today Cinderella (La Cenerentola, 1817): A lyrical retelling of the fairy tale William Tell (Guillaume Tell, 1829): His final opera, famous for its overture Semiramide (1823): A grand opera with dramatic intensity He was raised in a musical family, his father was a trumpeter, his mother a singer and studied at Bologna’s Philharmonic School, composing his first opera at age 14. Despite his fame, Rossini retired from opera composition at age 37. The reasons remain unclear but may have been due to health, wealth, or changing musical tastes IN his later Ylars he composed smaller works like Péchés de vieillesse (“Sins of Old Age”) for salon gatherings. His final major work was the Petite messe solennelle (1863), blending sacred and operatic styles Rossini’s music is celebrated for its wit, elegance, and emotional depth. His overtures—especially the one from William Tell—have become cultural icons, used in everything from cartoons to film scores.