The musical attractions of Pesaro
The opera composer Gioachino Rossini was born in Le Marche 220 years ago. His genius still resounds all over as one of the main attractions of Pesaro.
There’s something slightly intimidating about standing beneath the windows of Gioachino Rossini childhood home in Pesaro. Behind the grey stones and wooden turquoise shutters, the composer was born in 1792 as the son of a horn player and a singer. When he was 18 his first opera was produced in Venice. At 20 he achieved international fame. And by the age of 24 his career culminated with The Barber of Seville – an opera composed in only 12 days.
The street in which Rossini was grew up.
Beginning of a Golden Era
That marked the beginning of a golden age for Italian opera. Up through the 17th and 18th century musical recitations had become increasingly popular all over Italy, and they ended up singing entire dramas from beginning to end. People treated the theater in much the same way as we treat a television in the family living room. It was a popular distraction and entertainment that could make them weep and shout, unless they were busy doing other things like eating, drinking, gambling, fighting or making love.
The theater in Pesaro is named after Rossini. As is a number of shops, restaurants and gelaterie.
Operatic Sitcoms
In these settings, Rossini introduced operatic sitcoms with common people in everyday situations. And the audiences loved it. Rossini acquired rock star status and when he died at a ripe old age, he had accumulated a private fortune of 2.5 million francs. Most of the estate was left to the Commune of Pesaro and used to establish a music conservatory and a foundation that’s still active.
Which explains the existence of a Rossini house museum, the annual Rossini Festival and the promotion of Pesaro as Citta della Musica.
Other Marche sights
Tomato’s ball or the artificial sun of Pesaro
A university town named Camerino
Somehow, rock stars of earlier days are more fascinating than those of today. Also, here’s even more to like about the not-yet-famous Marche. Wow!
Isn’t it fascinating how similar the lives of Italian composers actually are? Verdi’s fate (and fame) was the same, in his case Milan was the city that adored him, and he loved it back. Italian opera is amazing and it really makes you feel alive. We should watch less TV and go to the theater more often to submerge ourselves in the opera magic!
I agree with Sophie that there’s a lot to like about Marche. It’s a very charming region not unlike neighbouring Tuscany.
I haven’t studied Verdi yet, but Barbara’s comment is so inspiring and I second the opinion that we should go out more.
I’d love to experience the Rossini Festival. I can only imagine the electricity that must fill the city as it celebrates one of its–and the world’s–finest artists!
Great stuff…a history I knew little about…
I’d love to go to the festival and explore Pesaro. And I agree, there is nothing like live performance – beats TV any day!