The William Tell Overture, composed by Gioachino Rossini

The William Tell Overture (click here)

The composition is stated to be a musical interpretation of life in the Swiss Alps. It is an overture to the opera by the same name. The overture has four parts easily discernible within the composition; Prelude, Dawn; Storm; Ranz des Vaches; Finale, March Of The Swiss Soldiers.

Most people know this composition already as it is easily adapted to many references, but, many don't realize it is part of a greater picture.

Gioachino Antonio Rossini (click here for historical information - no official website)

Gioachino Rossini, (click here) whose leap-day birthday is marked by Google on Wednesday, had a gift for comic timing that would be recognized by today's sitcom writers.

By Schuyler Velasco, Correspondent

February 29, 2012

In 1822, hotshot opera composer Gioachino Rossini got a bit of advice from Ludwig van Beethoven: Stick to comedy. At age 30, Rossini was already an international superstar, with nineteen operas under his belt, when he met the crotchety, near-deaf German composer in Vienna."

So you’re the composer of The Barber of Seville." Beethoven said. "I congratulate you. It will be played as long as Italian opera exists. Never try to write anything else but opera buffa [comic opera]; any other style would do violence to your nature."...