Why do I think Rossini stopped composing at such a young age?
I see Rossini like Jerry Seinfeld - after 9 seasons, he wanted to go out on top. I think he knew how demanding opera was and understood what it took for him to do it RIGHT. And I am not sure if he thought he had it in him?
If you've ever experienced a rap battle or a poetry slam, you might recognize this vocal competition - “Ah, vieni, nel tuo sangue” from "Otello", featuring Lawrence Brownlee and Javier Camarena - as an operatic version. It just goes to show there's nothing new under the sun. Both tenors left it all on the stage. I'd call this a draw, underscored by the mutual respect and obvious friendship they have for each other. Just a couple of brothers in a friendly musical duel to the delight of the audience (and me).
Why did Rossini call it quits at such an early age? Maybe he was simply exhausted. He had worked hard churning out and staging all those operas. He had bounced between Italy and France. I imagine he enjoyed the fame, the acclaim, the wealth and the hero worship. Perhaps, like modern-day celebrities, he woke up one morning and asked himself, "Is that all there is?" Maybe he found joy not in the glittering life of the opera, but in the little things that make life worth living, too. It would be nice to know.
The more I learn more about Rossini and his life the more I appreciate him. Successful AND self-aware! Sounds like Rossini was burned out. Well, maybe I am projecting a bit - but that's a lot of opera writing in a short piece of time. I mean the man transcribed EVERY single embellishment in his scores 😲
"The candle that burns twice as bright, burns half as long." 🤷🏻♀️
Why do I think Rossini stopped composing at such a young age?
I see Rossini like Jerry Seinfeld - after 9 seasons, he wanted to go out on top. I think he knew how demanding opera was and understood what it took for him to do it RIGHT. And I am not sure if he thought he had it in him?
What do you think?
If you've ever experienced a rap battle or a poetry slam, you might recognize this vocal competition - “Ah, vieni, nel tuo sangue” from "Otello", featuring Lawrence Brownlee and Javier Camarena - as an operatic version. It just goes to show there's nothing new under the sun. Both tenors left it all on the stage. I'd call this a draw, underscored by the mutual respect and obvious friendship they have for each other. Just a couple of brothers in a friendly musical duel to the delight of the audience (and me).
Why did Rossini call it quits at such an early age? Maybe he was simply exhausted. He had worked hard churning out and staging all those operas. He had bounced between Italy and France. I imagine he enjoyed the fame, the acclaim, the wealth and the hero worship. Perhaps, like modern-day celebrities, he woke up one morning and asked himself, "Is that all there is?" Maybe he found joy not in the glittering life of the opera, but in the little things that make life worth living, too. It would be nice to know.
The more I learn more about Rossini and his life the more I appreciate him. Successful AND self-aware! Sounds like Rossini was burned out. Well, maybe I am projecting a bit - but that's a lot of opera writing in a short piece of time. I mean the man transcribed EVERY single embellishment in his scores 😲
"The candle that burns twice as bright, burns half as long." 🤷🏻♀️