Composer

:

Gioachino Rossini

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1817

Average_duration

:

105:38

Movement_count

:

71

Movement ....

La gazza ladra, also known as The Thieving Magpie, is an opera composed by Gioachino Rossini in 1817. The plot revolves around a young servant girl named Ninetta who is accused of stealing a silver spoon from her employer's house. The real culprit is a magpie, which has been stealing shiny objects from the house and hiding them in its nest. Despite Ninetta's protests of innocence, she is sentenced to death. However, just as she is about to be executed, the magpie flies into the courtroom with the stolen spoon in its beak, proving Ninetta's innocence and saving her life. The opera premiered on May 31, 1817, at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy. It was an immediate success and quickly became one of Rossini's most popular works. The music is characterized by Rossini's signature style of fast-paced, energetic melodies and intricate vocal runs. The overture, in particular, is famous for its use of snare drums and cymbals to create a military march-like rhythm. La gazza ladra is divided into two acts, each with several musical numbers. The first act introduces the characters and sets up the plot, while the second act focuses on Ninetta's trial and eventual exoneration. The opera also features several comedic moments, particularly in the character of Fernando, a bumbling servant who provides much of the comic relief. Overall, La gazza ladra is a lively and entertaining opera that showcases Rossini's talent for creating catchy melodies and intricate vocal lines. Its enduring popularity has ensured its place in the canon of classic operas.

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