La Gazza ladra sinfonia

The overture for La Gazza ladra, also known as The Thieving Magpie, showcases Rossini's remarkable ability to compose rapidly under pressure. Legend has it that he was confined in a room at Milan's Teatro alla Scala before the opera's premiere, with stagehands guarding him to ensure he finished in time. As he completed each page, it was passed to a copyist outside, illustrating the urgency and creativity that characterized Rossini's work. This historical anecdote highlights the intense circumstances surrounding the creation of this iconic piece.