Gioachino Rossini Magpie" ("La gazza ladra") features one of his most celebrated overtures. Rossini moved to Paris in 1824 where he began to set French librettos to music. His last opera was the epic "William Tell" ("Guillaume Tell"), featuring its iconic overture which helped to usher in grand opera in France. A tendency for inspired, song-like melodies is evident throughout his scores, which earned him the nickname "the Italian Mozart." He was a rapid and prolific composer, quoted as joking, "Give me the laundress' bill and I will even set that to music." He also earned the nickname "Signor Crescendo" for his
Ernesto Palacio Ernesto Palacio Ernesto Palacio (born October 19, 1946, Lima) is a Peruvian tenor, particularly associated with Rossini and Mozart roles. Palacio first studied theology before turning to music. He began his vocal studies in Milan, and after winning first prize in the "Voci Nuovi Rossiniane" competition organized by RAI in 1972, he made his debut on radio as Lindoro in "L'italiana in Algeri". He quickly sang all over Italy, including at La Scala in Milan and the San Carlo in Naples. He also appeared at the Royal Opera House in London, the Aix-en-Provence Festival, at the Liceo in Barcelona, etc.