Rossini’s Piano Works: A Curated Selection of Masterpieces by the Great Master of Romantic Opera

Error of Old Age, Vol. 9: Album for Piano, Violin, Cello, Harmonium, and Horn — No. 7: March and Memories for My Last JourneyGioachino Rossini

Rossini: Sins of Old Age, Vol. 9, “Album for Piano, Violin, Cello, Harmonium, and Horn” — March and Recollections for My Last Journey; pf. Takashi Hayashikawa

Centered on piano, chamber, and vocal works, Rossini devoted his late years to the series Sins of Old Age.

In Volume 9, a piece titled March and Reminiscences for My Last Journey quotes melodies from his own operas and conveys a reflective mood, as if looking back on his life.

While laced with humor and irony, the work brims with his love of music and spirit of inquiry, showcasing the diverse compositional techniques unique to Rossini—a masterpiece that classical music enthusiasts will find irresistible.

Overture from the opera “The Thieving Magpie”Gioachino Rossini

Mario Mariani – ROSSINI – La Gazza Ladra: Ouverture (Arr. for Piano)

The overture to The Thieving Magpie, an opera by Gioachino Rossini, a leading figure of the Romantic opera, is beloved not only by opera enthusiasts but by many classical music fans for its comical atmosphere, where his characteristically light, lively melodies intertwine with crisp snare drum rhythms.

The story centers on a silver spoon theft case that ensnares the maid Ninetta.

In the overture, while hinting at such dramatic developments, there is an unmistakably comic air.

It’s a sparkling piece in which Rossini’s humor and wit shine through—one you should hear at least once.

Soirées musicales, S.424 R.236 No. 9 “La danza”Rossini=Liszt

[Jandó Jenő] Rossini-Liszt: Soirées Musicales No.9-La Danza, Tarantella Napolitana

Gioachino Rossini, a leading opera composer of the Italian Romantic era, has continued to captivate listeners not only through his operas but also through piano transcriptions of his dazzling melodies.

Among them, Franz Liszt’s La danza, the ninth piece in his Soirées musicales, is renowned as a masterful arrangement that fully brings out the charm of Rossini’s music.

Driven by the rhythm of the tarantella, it unfolds as passionate, dynamic music.

Along with the festive atmosphere of Naples, it vividly depicts a world brimming with vitality.

The arrangement, which makes full use of pianistic virtuosity, is nothing short of breathtaking.

Please take the time to savor this work born from the collaboration between Rossini and Liszt.

Errors of Old Age, Volume 6: “Album for Precocious Children,” No. 7: “Caress for My Wife”Gioachino Rossini

Rossini: “Une caresse à ma femme” pf:Vincenzo Balzani

Gioachino Rossini, an Italian composer known for operas such as The Barber of Seville and William Tell, also wrote piano works late in life.

This piece, included in his collection Péchés de vieillesse (Sins of Old Age), is characterized by a gentle and serene tone imbued with affection for his wife.

Its delicate and refined melody soothes the listener and brings a sense of warmth.

Reflecting the composer’s personality and musical sensibility, this piece is recommended not only for pianists but for all lovers of classical music.

Why not play it with heartfelt feeling, thinking of someone dear to you?