Gioacchino Rossini

La Gazza Ladra - Ouvertüre

The 'Swan of Pesaro' as Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868) was called, was to become one of the greatest European composers of the nineteenth century. He was made immortal by his numerous operas. 'The thievish magpie' is a three act opera to a libretto of Gheraldini, based on the French comedy 'La Pie voleuse' by d'Aubigny and Caigniez. In fact, the plot was based on a real fait-divers: the petty thefts of a magpie causing a young innocent maidservant to be sentenced to death. As usually, Rossini wrote this opera in a very short time and was first produced at the Scala in Milan in 1817, then in London (1821) and in Philadelphia (1827). Afterwards, the opera fell into oblivion until it was again performed in Florence in 1965. The overture has always been tremendously popular both with symphony orchestras and wind bands. The military-like introduction with two drum rolls is striking; it is followed by the main theme, a stirring march. Then we have the drum rolls again and a short crescendo towards five chords ending this part. The allegro boasts two melodies: a brilliant and delicate theme with the clarinets and a lively theme played by the whole woodwind section. As is often the case with Rossini, the crescendo plays an important role.