Famous Opera Overtures

These opera overtures are very famous. There are many different recordings and interpretations of them, some of which you can watch by visiting: www.youtube.com

The word overture is derived from the French word to open or introduce. Overtures have been used for many different musical genres as an introduction to them. Nevertheless, there are some overtures known as concert overtures, which are not written for the purpose of introducing. Two very famous examples (perhaps the most famous examples of all) are Tchaikovsky’s 1812 and Romeo and Juliet Overtures. The more logical proposition to this phenomenon, is that Tchaikovsky should have called these two compositions Symphonic Poems instead of Overtures, since this is what they really are; furthermore, Tchaikovsky was very educated in music, so chances are that he did this deliberately. Franz Liszt was the father of the Symphonic Poem, and Tchaikovsky like many other 19th Composers, was heavily influenced by him.... That being said, this article will focus exclusively on famous opera overtures, nothing else.

Here are a list of the most famous opera overtures ever written.

Rossini - Overture to William Tell, composed in 1829
You cannot do a list of famous opera overtures and not include Rossini. This composition is so ridiculously famous, few of us can go about our daily lives without hearing it in some form or another - radio, television, etc.... However, it was no joke for Rossini when the opera was first performed at the Paris Opera in 1829. - There’s no other composer in the history of so called classical music (even popular music if you do your math correctly) as successful as Rossini was during his lifetime. The sad thing about this overture, is that many people bypass the beautiful English horn/flute semi-contrapuntal duet (lovely passage as only Rossini could write) just before the big tune appears. The libretto of the opera is based on one of Schiller’s tragedies. William Tell was Rossini’s last opera, and the one he used in a futile attempt to conquer the fickle French public with. Rossini retired at the age of 37. Rossini lived until the age of 76, in the lap of luxury with royalties he received from his operas. The opera is very seldom performed nowadays.

Rossini - Overture to The Barber of Seville, composed in 1816
Another amongst the very famous opera overtures - this opera not only has the overture, but many arias (songs from an opera) considered to be very famous (Largo al factotum). Unlike William Tell, this work was a success from the beginning. Many music scholars consider this opera to be Rossini’s ‘Magnum Opus’.

Rossini - Overture to La Gazza Ladra (The Thieving Magpie), composed in 1817
- Another of the very famous opera overtures by Rossini. Rossini was extremely overweight, and infamous for being lazy at times. Nevertheless, few composers in history were as expedient, proficient or prolific as he was when serious money was at stake. Rumors have it that Rossini wrote the overture locked up in his room just one day before the opera’s premiere. It is said that Rossini’s publicist stood outside Rossini’s house, and was reported that as Rossini finished writing a new page of music, he’d put it outside his house for the publicist to take it and prepare the solo parts. The opera is not much telling about, but the overture is definitely on of the most famous opera overtures ever written.

Rossini - Overture to Semiramide, composed in 1823
Another overture hit by Rossini. The libretto of the opera is based on one of Voltaire's tragedies.

Rossini - Overture to Il signor Bruschino, composed in 1813
This overture is a must for those who likes to simultaneously hear strange comedic sounds and classical music all rolled up into one.

Mozart - Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, composed in 1786
Famous opera overtures list would be incomplete without this overture hit. The music of this opera has been compared in greatness to Shakespeare’s Hamlet in literature. The overture is one of the most famous opera overtures ever written, and it’s often heard in movies and television.

Mozart - Overture to The Magic Flute, composed in 1791
This opera has one of the worse librettos known to mankind. That being said, the music has been considered by many to have been the finest ever written. Bernard Shaw once said that he questioned whether Sarastro’s arias were written by a human being and not a god. The overture is quite entertaining to listen to.

Ferdinand Herold - Overture to Zampa, composed in 1831
This opera Zampa has been long forgotten; however, the opera was very famous and often performed throughout the 19th century. The overture, nevertheless, is very famous. The Boston Pops under Arthur Fiddler were infamous for frequently performing this work in their concerts.

Weber - Overture to Der Freischutz, composed in 1821
Often considered the first Romantic Composer, Weber has also been called the father of German Romantic Opera. This overture is a true marvel of orchestration, and a must for beginners to classical music.

Verdi - Overture to La Forza del Destino, composed in 1862
This is one of the most gorgeous opera overtures ever written. The opera’s libretto is a twisted reworking taken from one of Schiller’s tragedies. Verdi was hurt when a music critic said he was only good for writing operas, but he would never be a serious composer of symphonic music (orchestral music - instrumental). As a result of this hurtful attack, Verdi put in his very best when he composed this overture. The overture is a combination of lyricism and explosive passion all rolled up into one - the overture's motto theme is contrapuntally used and reused throughout the piece in combination with the overture's other melodies....

You can hear these overtures by visiting: www.youtube.com