Rossini: William Tell

Gioachino Rossini's last opera, Guillaume Tell, was first performed at the Salle Le Peletier in Paris on 3 August 1829 by the Paris Opéra. Librettists Hippolyte Bis and Étienne de Jouy based the story on Schiller's play William Tell, drawing on the legend of the Swiss folk hero, strong man, mountain climber and crossbow marksman.

The complete four act opera is rarely performed because it is very long, and makes huge demands on the soloists and orchestra, but the overture is very well-known and often played.

 

A selection of articles about Rossini: William Tell

Ensemble. Stravinskian Credentials - Rossini, Poulenc and Saint-Saëns from Nottingham Harmonic Choir and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Gradual Maturing - Giuseppe Pennisi describes the recent performance history of Rossini's 'William Tell' and reviews Palermo's 2018 production

Ensemble. Lots of Tinsel - Derby Concert Orchestra's Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ask Alice - 'William Tell' at Covent Garden, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Good Music makes Good Money - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the 2013 Rossini Opera Festival

Ensemble. The Legacy of Bel Canto - Rossini's 'William Tell' at the Caramoor Festival, discussed by Gregory Moomjy

Ensemble. Sheer Brilliance - Rossini's 'William Tell', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Spirited Performance - Mike Wheeler listens to Voices and the Derby Concert Orchestra

Ensemble. A Real Surprise - Celso Albelo hits Venice as Nemorino in Donizetti's 'L'Elisir d'Amore', by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. An Epic Opera - Rossini's 'William Tell', from Rome to the BBC Proms, by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. The Devil and the Bourgeoisie - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Arrigo Boito's 'Mefistofele'

Ensemble. Beautifully Judged - Mike Wheeler draws attention to the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Orchestra