February 5, 1797:
War of the First Coalition: French forces enter Pesaro, home of Gioachino Rossini (4), without opposition.
April 22, 1804:
Gioachino Rossini (12) organizes an accademia di musica in Imola.
June 24, 1806:
The Bologna Accademia Filarmonica admits Gioachino Rossini (14) without charge, due to his excellent singing.
August 8, 1806:
During a concert given by students of the Accademia Filarmonica of Bologna, Gioachino Rossini (14) makes his last appearance as a soprano.
April 11, 1807:
Spanish soprano Isabella Angela Colbran (22) performs in Bologna. It is the first time that Gioachino Rossini (15) sets eyes on his future mistress and wife.
June 2, 1808:
The “Bologna” Mass of Gioachino Rossini (16) is performed for the first time, in the Chiesa della Madonna di San Luca. He contributes three sections of a composite mass by the students of the Liceo Musicale.
December 23, 1808:
Sinfonia in D by Gioachino Rossini (16) is performed for the first time, in the Bologna Accademia Polimniaca.
August 25, 1809:
A Sinfonia in E flat by Gioachino Rossini (17) is performed for the first time, in the Liceo Musicale, Bologna.
November 3, 1810:
La cambiale di matrimonio, a farsa comica by Gioachino Rossini (18) to words of Rossi after Federici and Checcherini, is performed for the first time, in Teatro San Moisè, Venice. It is Rossini’s first work to be staged.
May 10, 1811:
The Accademia dei Concordi performs The Seasons by Franz Joseph Haydn (†1) conducted by its musical director Gioachino Rossini (19).
October 26, 1811:
L’equivoco stravagante, a dramma giocoso by Gioachino Rossini (19) to words of Gasparri, is performed for the first time, in the Teatro del Corso, Bologna. The work is warmly received but after the third performance the city fathers will close the show due to the “impure” nature of the story.
March 14, 1812:
Cirio in Babilonia, ossia La caduta di Baldassare, a dramma con cori by Gioachino Rossini (20) to words of Aventi, is performed, probably for the first time, in the Teatro Comunale, Ferrara. It is a flop.
May 9, 1812:
La scala di seta, a farsa comica by Gioachino Rossini (20) to words of Foppa after Planard, is performed for the first time, in Teatro San Moisè, Venice. It is one of three works performed tonight.
May 18, 1812:
Demetrio e Polibio, a dramma serio by Gioachino Rossini (20) to words of Viganò-Mombelli, is performed for the first time, in Teatro Valle, Rome.
November 24, 1812:
L’occasione fa il ladro, a burletta per musica by Gioachino Rossini (20) to words of Prividali after Scribe, is performed for the first time, in Teatro San Moisè, Venice. The reaction of the public is tepid.
January 27, 1813:
Il signor Bruschino, ossia Il figlio per azzardo, a farsa giocosa by Gioachino Rossini (20) to words of Foppa after de Chazet and Ourry, is performed for the first time, in Teatro San Moisè, Venice.
May 22, 1813:
L’italiana in Algeri, a dramma giocoso by Gioachino Rossini (21) to words of Anelli, is performed for the first time, in Teatro San Benedetto, Venice. The work is met with great enthusiasm.
December 18, 1813:
The new Teatro Re in Milan opens with a performance of Tancredi by Gioachino Rossini (21).
December 26, 1813:
Aureliano in Palmira, a dramma serio by Gioachino Rossini (21) to words of Romani after Sertor, is performed for the first time, in Teatro alla Scala, Milan. Unfortunately, the effort meets with a cool reception.
August 14, 1814:
Il turco in Italia, a dramma buffo by Gioachino Rossini (22) to words of Romani after Mazzolà, is performed for the first time, in Teatro alla Scala, Milan.
April 16, 1815:
Les Cent-Jours: Austrian forces recapture Bologna from the revolutionaries. Gioachino Rossini (23), composer of Inno dell’Indipendenza, now has a police record.
October 4, 1815:
Elisabetta, regina d’Inghilterra, a dramma by Gioachino Rossini (23) to words of Schmidt after Federici after Lee, is performed for the first time, in Teatro San Carlo, Naples. King Ferdinando is present along with the royal family.
December 15, 1815:
Gioachino Rossini (23) signs a contract with Duke Francesco Sforza Cesarini for an opera to be performed at the Nobile Teatro della Torre Argentina. It will eventually become Il barbiere di Siviglia.
January 12, 1816:
Giunone, a cantata for the birthday of King Ferdinando IV of Naples by Gioachino Rossini (23), is performed for the first time, in Teatro San Carlo, Naples.
February 20, 1816:
Almaviva, ossia L’inutile precauzione (later called Il barbiere di Siviglia), a commedia by Gioachino Rossini (23) to words of Sterbini after Beaumarchais and Petrosellini, is performed for the first time, in Teatro Argentina, Rome. The evening is a disaster. A hostile audience whistles Rosina. Bartolo trips over a trap door and bloodies his nose (for which the onlookers called for an encore). A cat appears and steals the show, urged on by the audience. See 10 August 1816.
April 24, 1816:
Le nozze di Teti, e di Peleo, a cantata by Gioachino Rossini (24) to words of Ricci, is performed for the first time, in Naples for the betrothal of Carolina Ferdinanda Luigia, daughter of the Hereditary Prince of the Two Sicilies, and Charles-Ferdinand, Duc de Berry, second son of future King Charles X of France. The work is performed in Teatro del Fondo because Teatro San Carlo burned down two months ago.
August 10, 1816:
Almaviva, ossia L’inutile precauzione, a commedia by Gioachino Rossini (24) is produced at Teatro Contovalli, Bologna, for the first time under the title Il barbiere di Siviglia. See 20 February 1816.
December 4, 1816:
Otello, ossia Il moro di Venezia, a dramma by Gioachino Rossini (24) to words of Berio di Salsa after Shakespeare, is performed for the first time, in the Teatro del Fondo, Naples. The work is a success.
December 23, 1816:
Having sat up most of the night in Rome going through possible opera scenarios, the impresario Pietro Cartoni, the librettist Jacopo Ferretti, and the composer Gioachino Rossini (24) finally settle on Cinderella.
January 25, 1817:
La cenerentola, ossia La bontà in trionfo, a dramma giocoso by Gioachino Rossini (24) to words of Ferretti after Perrault, is performed for the first time, in Teatro Valle, Rome. The evening is a disaster owing to the inability of the singers to comprehend the music.
February 12, 1817:
While on their way from Rome to Milan, Gioachino Rossini (24) and his friend Marchese Francesco Sampieri stop off in Spoleto and see a performance of L’Italiana in Algeri. They sit in with the orchestra, Sampieri on harpsichord, Rossini on bass.
November 11, 1817:
Armida, a dramma by Gioachino Rossini (25) to words of Schmidt after Tasso, is performed for the first time, in Teatro San Carlo, Naples. Both audience and critics do not approve.
March 3, 1818:
Lord Byron writes that he has recently witnessed a performance of Otello by Gioachino Rossini (26) in Venice. His opinion is that Shakepeare’s play has been “crucified” and that the music is “good but lugubrious.”
March 5, 1818:
Mosè in Egitto, an azione tragico-sacra by Gioachino Rossini (26) to words of Tottola after Ringhieri, is performed for the first time, in Teatro San Carlo, Naples. It is an immediate success.
May 2, 1818:
La morte di Didone, a cantata by Gioachino Rossini (26), is performed for the first time, in Teatro San Benedetto, Venice. A review in the Gazzetta privilegiata di Venezia will state, “Poetry beneath criticism, music nothing, performance indifferent.”
June 10, 1818:
The newly rebuilt opera house in Pesaro is opened with a performance of La gazza ladra by Gioachino Rossini (26) in his birthplace.
February 20, 1819:
Omaggio umiliato, a cantata by Gioachino Rossini (26) to words of Niccolini, is performed for the first time, in Teatro San Carlo, Naples as part of celebrations over the recovery of King Ferdinando from an illness.
March 27, 1819:
Ermione, an azione tragica by Gioachino Rossini (27) to words of Tottola after Racine, is performed for the first time, in Teatro San Carlo, Naples. The audience reaction is tepid.
October 24, 1819:
La donna del lago, a melodramma by Gioachino Rossini (27) to words of Tottola after Scott, is performed for the first time, in Teatro San Carlo, Naples. The work receives a general yawn.
December 3, 1820:
Maometto II, a dramma by Gioachino Rossini (28) to words of della Valle, is performed for the first time, in Teatro San Carlo, Naples. It is not well received.
February 24, 1821:
Matilde Shabran ossia Bellezza, e cuor di ferro, a melodramma giocoso by Gioachino Rossini (28) to words of Ferretti after Hoffmann and Boutet de Monvel, is performed for the first time, in Teatro Apollo, Rome, conducted by Nicolò Paganini (38). The work encounters a mixed reception.
December 27, 1821:
At a benefit for Gioachino Rossini (29) in the Teatro San Carlo, Naples, attended by King Ferdinando, the royal family, ministers and many members of the nobility, the composer’s cantata La riconoscenza to words of Genoino is performed for the first time.
February 16, 1822:
Zelmira, a dramma by Gioachino Rossini (29) to words of Tottola after Dormont de Belloy, is performed for the first time, in Teatro San Carlo, Naples. It is well received.
March 6, 1822:
King Ferdinando attends the last performance of the run of Zelmira by Gioachino Rossini (30). It is Rossini’s farewell to Naples and he is given resounding expressions of appreciation from the king and audience.
March 7, 1822:
Gioachino Rossini (30) departs Naples making for Vienna. He is accompanied by Isabella Colbran and three male singers.
March 16, 1822:
In the sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Pillar, in her villa at Castenaso, near Bologna, the coloratura Isabella Colbran marries the opera composer Gioachino Rossini (30). The couple are traveling from Naples to Vienna.
March 22, 1822:
Gioachino Rossini (30), his new wife Isabella Colbran and three other musicians reach Vienna from Naples.
April 13, 1822:
A performance of Zelmira begins a Rossini (30) festival at the Kärntnertortheater, Vienna. The festival will include six different Rossini operas and last from April to July.
July 22, 1822:
After three months devoted to his music, Gioachino Rossini (30) departs Vienna. Prince Metternich, a great admirer, has engaged Rossini to be the “official composer” of the Verona Conference coming up in November.
December 3, 1822:
Il vero omaggio, a cantata by Gioachino Rossini (30) to words of Rossi, is performed for the first time, in the Teatro Filarmonico, Verona, commissioned by Prince Metternich for the Congress of Verona. The performance takes place before the assembled heads of state.
April 1, 1823:
Omaggio pastorale, a cantata by Gioachino Rossini (31), is performed for possibly the first time, for the unveiling of a memorial bust of Antonio Canova in Treviso.
October 20, 1823:
Gioachino Rossini (31) and his wife leave Bologna for Paris and England.
November 9, 1823:
Gioachino Rossini (31) enters Paris for the first time, on his way to England. The city will be very important in his later life.
November 16, 1823:
A gigantic banquet is given in Paris by the city’s leading artists in honor of Gioachino Rossini (31) in the Restaurant du Veau Qui Tette. 150 guests attend including Adrien Boieldieu (47), Daniel Auber (41), Ferdinand Hérold (32), many singers, actors and artists.
December 7, 1823:
Gioachino Rossini (31) and his wife depart Paris for London.
December 13, 1823:
Gioachino Rossini (31) and his wife arrive in London. He immediately takes to bed to recover from the Channel crossing.
December 29, 1823:
Gioachino Rossini (31) is presented to King George IV of Great Britain at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. By request of the king, he sings two of his own arias, accompanying himself on the piano. Choristers of the Chapel Royal also perform, including Samuel Sebastian Wesley (13).
January 24, 1824:
Gioachino Rossini (31) conducts in London for the first time, Zelmira at the King’s Theatre. It is not well attended and the performance is not particularly good.
February 27, 1824:
Gioachino Rossini (31) signs a contract with the French government at the French embassy in London. He agrees to stay in France for one year, write new operas for the Théâtre-Italien and the Opéra as well as produce his older operas.
July 25, 1824:
Gioachino Rossini (32) and his wife leave London for Paris.
August 1, 1824:
Gioachino Rossini (32) arrives in Paris under contract to the Ministry of the Royal Household to write two new operas and produce one of his already existing works. He also agrees to become director of the Théâtre-Italien.
September 4, 1824:
Gioachino Rossini (32) departs Paris for Bologna.
November 25, 1824:
Gioachino Rossini (32) signs a contract with the Théâtre-Italien, Paris to become directeur de la musique et de la scène.
March 22, 1825:
Abraham and Felix Mendelssohn (16) arrive in Paris to accompany Abraham’s sister Henriette back to Berlin. While in Paris, Felix will come in contact with and perform for many of the composers and virtuosos of the city including Hummel (46), Auber (43), Kalkbrenner (39), Rossini (33), Halévy (25), Liszt (13), and Kreutzer.
June 19, 1825:
Il viaggio a Reims, ossia L’albergo del giglio d’oro, a dramma giocoso by Gioachino Rossini (33) to words of Balocchi after de Staël, is performed for the first time, at the Théâtre-Italien, Paris. The work is performed during coronation festivities for Charles X who attends but is bored.
September 25, 1825:
Giacomo Meyerbeer’s (34) Il Crociato in Egitto opens in Paris to spectacular success. King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia arrives in the city today and will see the second performance. It was the idea of Gioacchino Rossini (32) to stage this opera and he invites Meyerbeer to direct the last rehearsals. This reaffirms their friendship, in existence since 1819. See 7 March 1824.
February 25, 1826:
On the way to London, Carl Maria von Weber (39) arrives in Paris. During his stay in the city he will meet Luigi Cherubini (65), Daniel Auber (44), Gioacchino Rossini (33), Ferdinando Paer, and Charles-Simon Catel. Hector Berlioz (22), who idolizes Weber, seeks out the German but is unable to find him. Rossini, observing Weber’s terrible health, tries to talk him out of going on to London.
April 28, 1826:
A concert takes place in Paris with proceeds going to relief of Greek patriots. Gioachino Rossini (34) conducted rehearsals.
June 22, 1826:
Adina o Il califfo di Bagdad, a farsa by Gioachino Rossini (34) to words of Bevilacqua-Aldobrandini, is performed for the first time, in Teatro São Carlos, Lisbon. This is the only premiere of a Rossini opera at which the composer is not present.
October 17, 1826:
Gioachino Rossini (34) is named Premier Compositeur du Roi and Inspecteur Général du Chant en France by King Charles X. See 1 January 1827.
January 1, 1827:
A contract is signed by Gioachino Rossini (34) making him Premier Compositeur du Roi and Inspecteur Général du Chant en France, honorary positions. This will allow him to give up his duties at the Théâtre-Italien and spend more time composing for the Opéra.
March 26, 1827:
Moïse et Pharaon, ou Le passage de la Mer rouge, an opera by Gioachino Rossini (35) to words of Balocchi and de Jouy after Tottola, is performed for the first time, at the Paris Opéra, to a wildly enthusiastic reception.
August 20, 1828:
Le Comte Ory, an opera by Gioachino Rossini (36) to words of Scribe and Delestre-Poirson, is performed for the first time, at the Paris Opéra.
May 4, 1829:
Gioachino Rossini (37) signs a new contract to receive an annual government stipend on top of any musical activities.
August 3, 1829:
Guillaume Tell, an opéra by Gioachino Rossini (37) to words of Jouy, Bis and others after Schiller, is performed for the first time, at the Paris Opéra. The audience gives respectful applause but the critics are effusive in their praise. Although Rossini will live another 39 years, he will never again write an opera.
August 7, 1829:
King Charles X confers the Legion of Honor on Gioachino Rossini (37).
August 13, 1829:
Gioachino Rossini (37) and his wife leave Paris for Bologna.
August 26, 1829:
Stopping in Milan on his way from Paris to Bologna, Gioacchino Rossini (37) seeks out Vincenzo Bellini (27) at his home and the two meet for the first time. They have nothing but compliments for each other. Rossini goes on to spread his praise for Bellini throughout the city.
September 6, 1829:
Gioachino Rossini (37) and his wife arrive in Bologna from Paris.
April 2, 1830:
L’Armonica cetra del nume, a cantata for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra by Gioachino Rossini (38) in honor of Marchese Sampieri, is performed for the first time, in the dedicatee’s Bologna home.
September 4, 1830:
Gioachino Rossini (38) leaves Bologna for Paris. He does not bring his wife as he expects to be away for only one month. They will not meet again for four years.
February 4, 1831:
Gioachino Rossini (38) departs Paris for Spain in the company of the banker Alejandro Maria Aguado.
February 13, 1831:
Gioachino Rossini (38) conducts a production of Il barbiere di Siviglia before King Fernando and the Spanish court in Madrid. He becomes the toast of the court.
March 21, 1831:
Giacomo Meyerbeer (39) hosts a dinner in Paris for Nicolò Paganini (48). Among the guests are Luigi Cherubini (70), François-Adrien Boieldieu (55), Daniel Auber (49), and Gioachino Rossini (39).
September 12, 1832:
Edouard Robert, one of the directors of the Théâtre-Italien, writes to Gioachino Rossini (40) in Toulouse that the chorlera epidemic is over in Paris and he may return.
April 5, 1833:
A setting of the Stabat mater for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra, with music partly by Gioachino Rossini (41) is performed for the first time, in the Chapel of San Felipe el Real, Madrid. See 7 January 1842.
March 21, 1834:
Le Tribunal de Première Instance de la Seine orders that the annuity promised to Gioachino Rossini (42) by King Charles X be paid in perpetuity.
January 24, 1835:
I puritani, a melodramma serio by Vincenzo Bellini (33) to words of Pepoli after Ancelot and Xavier, is performed for the first time, at the Théâtre-Italien, Paris. Gioachino Rossini (42), who is present, reports that the work is “a brilliant success.” The composer will write that by the end of the duet (Il rival salvar tu dei) “the French had all gone crazy.”
October 2, 1835:
A Requiem mass for Vincenzo Bellini is held at Les Invalides. According to a report, “Paer, Cherubini (75), Carafa and Rossini (43) each held one corner of the shroud.” Bellini’s earthly remains are laid to rest in Pére-Lachaise Cemetery between those of Andre Ernest Modeste Grétry (†22) and François-Adrien Boieldieu (†0). See 15 September 1876.
December 24, 1835:
An opinion of the Committee on Finance finds that the annuity promised to Gioachino Rossini (43) by King Charles X and withheld by the new regime can now be afforded by the French government. The Ministry of Finance decides to drop its case against Rossini and pay the annuity retroactive to 1 July 1830. The composer is now set for life.
June 6, 1836:
Felix Mendelssohn (27) arrives in Frankfurt where he plans to spend the summer. He will see Gioachino Rossini (44) every day for a week. Mendelssohn plays JS Bach (†85) for him at Rossini’s request. The Italian is very impressed. Mendelssohn also spends time with two young women who live in the house where he is staying.
October 24, 1836:
Gioachino Rossini (44) leaves Paris for Italy. He will not move back to the French capital for 19 years.
December 10, 1837:
Franz Liszt (26) gives a solo recital at Teatro alla Scala, Milan, in a performance organized by Gioachino Rossini (45) and the publisher Ricordi. The Milanese do not appreciate pianists and this and the two subsequent performances by Liszt in the city are not successful.
April 28, 1839:
Gioachino Rossini (47) agrees to become “perpetual honorary consultant” to the Liceo Musicale in Bologna.
June 20, 1839:
Gioachino Rossini (47) and his mistress, Olympe Pélissier, depart Bologna for Naples.
February 4, 1843:
The city of Pesaro places a plaque on the birthplace of Gioachino Rossini (50).
March 15, 1843:
King Othon I of Greece confers on Gioachino Rossini (51) the Cross of a Knight of the Royal Order of the Savior.
May 14, 1843:
Gioachino Rossini (51) and his mistress Olympe Pélissier leave Bologna for Paris.
May 27, 1843:
Gioachino Rossini (51) and his mistress Olympe Pélissier arrive in Paris where he will receive medical treatment.
October 4, 1843:
Gioachino Rossini (51) and his mistress Olympe Pélissier arrive back in Bologna from Paris, having improved his health greatly and undergoing cures in Paris.
March 11, 1844:
Santo Genio dell’Italia terra, a cantata for chorus and orchestra by Gioachino Rossini (52) to words of Marchetti, is performed for the first time, in the Palazzo Carignano, Turin for the tercentenary of Tasso’s birth.
November 20, 1844:
Trois choeurs religieux by Gioachino Rossini (52) to words of Goubaux, Lucas, and Colet are performed for the first time, at the Salle Troupenas, Paris.
September 7, 1845:
Hearing that his wife is gravely ill, Gioachino Rossini (53) travels with his mistress, Olympe Pélissier, to Castenaso to visit her. Rossini spends 30 minutes alone with her and leaves in tears. He will receive daily reports on her condition until she dies on 7 October.
June 9, 1846:
A statue of Gioachino Rossini (54) is dedicated at the Paris Opéra.
July 23, 1846:
Su fratelli, letizia si Canti for chorus and orchestra by Gioachino Rossini (54) to words of Canonico Golfieri is performed for the first time, at Piazza Maggiore, Bologna to celebrate the installation of Pope Pius IX.
August 16, 1846:
Ten months after the death of his wife, Isabella Colbran, Gioachino Rossini (54) marries Olympe Pélissier, his mistress of 15 years, in the Church of San Giovanni, Bologna.
January 1, 1847:
Cantata in onore del Sommo Pontefice Pio Nono for solo voices, chorus and orchestra by Gioachino Rossini (54) to words of Marchetti is performed for the first time, in the Senate (Campidoglio), Rome, in honor of Pope Pius IX. It is largely made up of selections from Rossini’s operas.
November 28, 1847:
A setting of Tantum ergo by Gioachino Rossini (55) is performed for the first time, in the Chiesa di San Francesco dei Minori, Bologna.
April 28, 1848:
Gioachino Rossini (56), believing his life to be in danger from revolutionaries who question his support for their cause, leaves Bologna for Florence.
June 21, 1848:
Segna Iddio ne’suoi confini by Gioachino Rossini (56) to words of Martinelli is performed for the first time, in Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore. It was orchestrated by his friend, Domenico Liverani. The composer is not there. He has fled to Florence because of charges from various quarters that he is either a conservative or a liberal.
September 21, 1848:
Johannes Brahms (15) gives his first solo piano performance, in Hamburg. He plays music of JS Bach (†98), Rossini (56), Henri Herz (45), and Jacob Rosenhain. Owing to so much news of revolution, and a cholera epidemic, no review of the concert is printed.
December 2, 1848:
Olympe Pélissier writes to a friend about the psychological troubles of her husband, Gioachino Rossini (51), describing a month of insomnia and nervous disorders.
June 26, 1850:
E foriera la Pace ai mortale, a hymn by Gioachino Rossini (58) to words of Arcangeli after Bacchilde, is performed for the first time.
May 1, 1851:
While at his Bologna home entertaining friends, Gioachino Rossini (59) is visited by the Austrian governor Count Nobili. As the count enters, Rossini’s friends leave and the composer receives his guest alone.
May 5, 1851:
Gioachino Rossini (59) leaves Bologna never to return.
April 12, 1853:
Emperor Napoléon III names Gioachino Rossini (61) a Commander of the Legion of Honor.
October 19, 1854:
The Revue et gazette musicale publishes a letter from Olympe Pélissier denying persistent rumors that her husband, Gioachino Rossini (62), has gone insane.
April 26, 1855:
Believing that French doctors might cure his ailment, Gioachino Rossini (63) and his wife leave Florence for Paris. He will never see Italy again.
May 25, 1855:
Gioachino Rossini (63) and his wife arrive in Paris from Florence.
April 15, 1857:
Gioachino Rossini (65) dedicates his Musique anodine to his wife, Olympe.
November 29, 1857:
A setting of O salutaris hostia for vocal quartet by Gioachino Rossini (65) is performed for the first time.
July 17, 1858:
The French Minister of the Interior appoints a commission to investigate a universal pitch, what this pitch should be, and how to insure it becomes universal. Much of the investigative work will be done by Hector Berlioz (54). Other members include Daniel-François-Esprit Auber (76), Gioacchino Rossini (66), Giacomo Meyerbeer (66), Fromental Halévy (59), and Ambroise Thomas (46).
September 18, 1858:
Gioachino Rossini (66) buys land from the city of Paris near the Bois de Boulogne on which he will build his villa. The city approves the sale on condition that they are able to buy it back upon his death.
December 18, 1858:
The first of the “Samedi soirs” takes place at the Rossini (66) residence in Paris (they will later be held at Villa Rossini). Over the next ten years, Rossini and his wife will entertain the giants of the artistic world. Composers who will attend at least one of these Saturday Nights include Auber, Boito, Gounod, Liszt, Meyerbeer, Rubinstein, Saint-Saëns, Thalberg, Thomas, and Verdi. Other notables include Sir Julius Benedict, Delacroix, Ernest and Gustave Doré, Dumas pére, Hanslick, Joachim, Tito di Giovanni and Giulio Ricordi, and Sarasate.
March 10, 1859:
The cornerstone of the Villa Rossini (67) is laid in Paris.
December 22, 1861:
Le chant des Titans (Péchés de vieillesse vol.iii no.6) by Gioachino Rossini (69) is performed for the first time, at the Paris Opéra.
March 14, 1864:
Petite messe solennelle by Gioachino Rossini (72) is performed for the first time, with piano accompaniment, in the Paris home of Countess Louise Pillet-Will. The work was commissioned for the consecration of her private chapel. Although ordered to bed by his doctors, Giacomo Meyerbeer (72) attends, along with Auber (82). See 24 February 1869.
May 3, 1864:
As Gioachino Rossini (72) seeks out Giacomo Meyerbeer in Paris he learns of the latter’s death and faints on the spot. He is unconscious for ten minutes. Later, Rossini will compose a Chant funèbre.
August 13, 1864:
Emperor Napoléon III creates Gioachino Rossini (72) a Grand Officer in the Legion of Honor.
August 20, 1864:
King Vittorio Emanuele II names Gioachino Rossini (72) Commander of the Order of Sts. Maurice and Lazarus.
May 21, 1868:
In the Milan newspaper Il pungolo, Arrigo Boito (26) attacks the Italian Minister of Education Broglio for a public letter he wrote to Gioachino Rossini (76) snubbing Giuseppe Verdi (54). Verdi has already returned the title Commander of the Crown of Italy over the incident. The article is seen as the beginning of a reconciliation between Boito and Verdi.
September 26, 1868:
Tonight sees the last of the Samedi soirs at the Villa Rossini (76) near Paris.
November 3, 1868:
Having recovered from a lung inflammation, Gioachino Rossini (76) undergoes surgery to remove a “rectal fistula.” Fearing that his patient’s heart condition precludes prolonged anaesthesia (chloroform), Dr. Auguste Nélaton completes the operation in five minutes. He removes as much as he can of what is probably cancer.
November 5, 1868:
Dr. Nélaton performs a second short operation on Gioachino Rossini (76), which causes an infection.
November 20, 1868:
The earthly remains of Gioachino Rossini (†0) are moved to L'Église de la Trinité for the funeral. This venue is chosen owing to the number of people desirous of attending. Giuseppe Verdi (55) writes this day, “A great name has disappeared from the world! His was the most extensive, the most popular reputation of our time, and it was an Italian glory!”
November 25, 1878:
La corona d’Italia for band by Gioachino Rossini (†10) is performed for the first time, in Rome. It was written in 1868 when King Vittorio Emanuele II nominated Rossini for the Grand Knight of the Order of the Crown of Italy, but never performed. The production today is by seven massed bands plus 30 drummers.
November 5, 1882:
The Liceo Musicale at Pesaro opens, funded by an endowment in the will of Gioachino Rossini (†13).
May 3, 1887:
The mortal remains of Gioachino Rossini (†18), having been removed from Paris, are entombed in Santa Croce, Florence after a ceremonial trip through the city amidst thousands of admirers.
November 7, 1893:
Anarchist Santiago Salvador explodes a bomb in the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona during a performance of Guillaume Tell of Gioachino Rossini (†25). Dozens of people are killed or injured. The bomber will be executed next year.
June 23, 1902:
A monument to mark the final resting place of Gioachino Rossini (†33) is dedicated in Florence.
June 5, 1919:
La Boutique fantasque, a ballet with music of Gioachino Rossini (†50) arranged by Ottorino Respighi (39), is performed for the first time, by the Ballets Russes, in the Alhambra Theatre, London.
May 6, 1922:
The Society of St. Gregory of America, meeting in convention in Rochester, New York, publishes a list of music not in accordance with Pope Pius X’s encyclical Motu proprio of 22 November 1903. Among the music frowned upon are compositions by Luigi Cherubini (†80), Gioacchino Rossini (†53), and Giuseppe Verdi (†21).