popular finally composition indignation
spirit composer message mentioned
When he was but twenty-four Rossini produced what has been, perhaps, the
most popular of his operas, “The Barber of Seville.” But fame alone could
not make him content. Beyond Italy the world was wide. The spirit of the
man was as restless as that of the boy. He went to Vienna, and finally to
Paris.
In Paris he felt he could work at his best. Here he composed his great
masterpiece in opera, “William Tell.” It was the story in music and song
of the great Swiss hero, of whom you have doubtless heard many tales. For
years the hero had seen his country bound under the hand of a tyrant. His
soul was on fire with indignation. His country must be freed. He would
make it free.
Nothing but grand and noble music could tell such a story. Yet Rossini
has told it wonderfully. The opera was brought out in Paris and has been
played many times since.
Although as yet you may not have listened to any of the music which has
been mentioned thus far, the most of you have probably heard many times
Rossini’s finest composition. When he wrote it, he was forty-five; and
when it was done, he wrote no longer. This was his last message to the
world. This was the “Stabat Mater,” sung for the first time on Good Friday.
In his house in Paris Rossini gathered about him many friends, among them
young men who desired to become musicians, poets, or writers. His generous
heart was full to the last of merriment and song, though as a composer he
was silent. He was born at Pesaro, Italy, February 29, 1792, and died in
Paris, November 13, 1868.