Gioacchino Rossini: Italian in Algiers, Overture

Montgomery County Concert Band
Charles H. Neidhardt DIRECTOR
Ryan Pongras ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Bret Mascaro ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Italian in Algiers, Overture – Gioacchino Rossini
arr. by Lucien Cailliet
Bret Mascaro, Conductor

Italian in Algiers: Gioacchino Rossini (1792–1868) – Also known as “The Italian Girl in Algiers,” Rossini’s fifth opera was written in 1813 when he was 21 years old. The mostly comic story revolves around the Bey, or Turkish Cheiftan, of Algiers and his desire to add an Italian woman to his harem. The overture is something of a tribute to Haydn’s Surprise Symphony, with light staccato passages interrupted by huge orchestral hits. It also shows off Rossini’s flair for melodic invention. It is still frequently performed by orchestras and bands around the world.

Credit:
Montgomery County Concert Band – www.youtube.com/@montcoband