Rossini all downhill after the overture ?

[Richard Barrett]

That's honest enough, if a bit harsh on the music you don't like because you hardly know it!

As I said, I don't like it yet because I hardly know it. It isn't an active dislike, just an absence of like. I hope I have a few years left in which to get to grips with some of the music in that category...

By the way, welcome back, I haven't seen you around these parts for a while!

[aeolium]

As I said, I don't like it yet because I hardly know it. It isn't an active dislike, just an absence of like.

Apologies - I misunderstood your "don't like" to mean "dislike", as your other "don't like" clearly did.

By the way, welcome back, I haven't seen you around these parts for a while!

Thanks. Unfortunately, for almost all the winter I was occupied with resolving an unpleasant legal matter affecting an elderly relative, which I hope is mostly sorted out now.

[Stanfordian]

I dislike the title of this thread:

"Rossini all downhill after the overture?"

I'm amazed why anyone would even think that. It's an insult to Rossini admirers to even hint at having to justify why they enjoy Rossini! I think it says more about the poster's appreciation of music than it does about Rossini's music!



I believe most good music can be enjoyed by the average listener if they are prepared to invest some effort and time.

[visualnickmos]

I don't feel there is anything like "downhill after the overture" about Rossini.

To me, it is music to be enjoyed, just fun, engaging, tuneful, sometimes comic - what more could one ask?

And the overtures - some of the most energetic music around - Love it...

[french frank]

It's an insult to Rossini admirers to even hint at having to justify why they enjoy Rossini!

I don't think anyone was being asked to "justify" why they enjoy Rossini, but to show to one who "struggles" what he's missing. More evangelising than justifying.

I would disagree that 'most good music can be enjoyed by the average listener if they are prepared to invest some effort and time'. That permits no possibility that what one enjoys depends to a certain amount on personal taste (or even interest).

[vinteuil]

I would disagree that 'most good music can be enjoyed by the average listener if they are prepared to invest some effort and time'. That permits no possibility that what one enjoys depends to a certain amount on personal taste (or even interest).

... and a lot wd hang on what one understood by 'good' music.

Some people like Karl Jenkins, Eric Whitacre, Einaudi...

Am I supposed to put in any effort in trying to enjoy their work??

I love Rossini. Stendhal much preferred his early works. I used to share that view - but now very much like later works, particularly :

Matilde di Shabran

http://amzn.eu/3EROeOM

il Viaggio a Reims

http://amzn.eu/cLmYl0Z

le siège de Corinthe

http://amzn.eu/4R0OAjw

http://amzn.eu/16Wcb7Y

le Comte Ory

http://amzn.eu/4QpvVYI

Rossini for me is like Scarlatti and Haydn - the sheer joie de vivre is infectious, a delight...








.

[jean]

I think what's been bothering me about the thread title is that the Overtures are assumed to be the best bits.

But I think if you only appreciate those, you haven't understood Rossini at all.

I heard them by the hundred in my youth as jolly concert openers. When I finally had the chance to hear them in the context of what came afterwards, it was a revelation.

[Stanfordian]

I don't think anyone was being asked to "justify" why they enjoy Rossini, but to show to one who "struggles" what he's missing. More evangelising than justifying.

I would disagree that 'most good music can be enjoyed by the average listener if they are prepared to invest some effort and time'. That permits no possibility that what one enjoys depends to a certain amount on personal taste (or even interest).

Hiya french frank,

The title of the thread seems to infer to me that Rossini's music is the problem not the listener's ear.

[french frank]

Hiya french frank,

The title of the thread seems to infer to me that Rossini's music is the problem not the listener's ear.

Is there a difference between: 'It is the problem and 'Is it the problem?' ? And if you think the poster is saying the former (and their finger slipped, introducing an unintended question mark), you might suggest that, possibly, they would enjoy the music if they put a bit of effort into it. But I still wouldn't agree with you . Maybe my problem is having heard a certain singer of operatic arias tackling 'Una voce poco fa'.

Meanwhile, I am amused in my simple way that on googling 'Rossini' to check on his works, I am faced with:

People also ask

"What is a Rossini?"

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

The title of the thread seems to infer to me that Rossini's music is the problem not the listener's ear.

Well, the question mark does suggest that the Thread is open to discussion - and in the six weeks or so since it first appeared, it has certainly attracted many comments in support of Rossini.

[vinteuil]

Meanwhile, I am amused in my simple way that on googling 'Rossini' to check on his works, I am faced with:

People also ask

"What is a Rossini?"

... along the lines of -

"Don't be stupid - Botticelli isn't a wine...



... it's a cheese."


.

[jean]

People also ask

"What is a Rossini?"

Is it a sort of cocktail, like a Bellini?

If you were talking about the steak, you'd have to be more specific.

[Serial_Apologist]

Is it a sort of cocktail, like a Bellini?

If you were talking about the steak, you'd have to be more specific.

Or Tournedos the other... cheek.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

An opportunity to test a whole Rossini Opera on Thursday afternoon, when The Siege of Corinth is broadcast:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqOMuR5Z530

[Keraulophone]

Continuing the foodie connection, after enduring four hours (plus intervals) of Guillaume Tell at Covent Garden, mainly because a friend was singing in the chorus, we enjoyed jugged hare in nearby Rules, the oldest restaurant in London, a rare treat that totally eclipsed the ennui earlier on.