Italian opera in bringing the art form back to life again. Romantic opera, which placed emphasis on the imagination and the emotions began to appear in the early 19th century, and because of its arias and music, gave more dimension to the extreme emotions which typified the theater of that era. In addition, it is said that fine music often excused glaring faults in character drawing and plot lines. Gioachino Rossini (1792–1868) initiated the Romantic period. His first success was an "opera buffa" (comic opera), "La Cambiale di Matrimonio" (1810). His reputation still survives today through his "Barber of Seville" (1816), and
Westbrook-Rossini, Zürich Live 1986 swinging, and joyful it is breathtaking. ... Live, it's even tougher to grasp because there is no safety net, no alternate takes or editing to round out the rough spots. It's all one can do to take it in and not roll about the floor with your hands over your head, tears streaming in such blessed out delight you will cause your loved ones unnecessary worry. You'll listen for decades and still not comprehend the wonder if it. Yes, it is that good". All compositions by Gioachino Rossini with additional material by Mike Westbrook Westbrook-Rossini, Zürich Live 1986 Westbrook-Rossini, Zürich