Gioachino Rossini "The Magic Shop"

#Rossini #Classical_ballet #Orchestration #Respighi #Péchés_de_vieillesse #Russian_ballet
Date of publication 1951
orchestrated and arranged by Ottorino Respighi
Ernest Ansermet conducts the LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
1. Part 1 00:00
2. Part 2 16:15
Gioachino Rossini, one of the most celebrated composers of the 19th century, is best known for his flamboyant operas such as The Barber of Seville and William Tell. Among his lesser-known works, however, is the delightful *La boutique fantasque* (*The Magic Shop*), a ballet arranged not by Rossini himself but by the Italian composer Ottorino Respighi in 1919. The work showcases Rossini’s melodic brilliance through a collection of his lesser-known piano works, transformed into a vibrant orchestral suite.
*The Magic Shop* is based on Rossini’s *Péchés de vieillesse* (*Sins of Old Age*), a series of short piano pieces and songs he composed after retiring from opera in 1829. Often humorous and whimsical, these works display Rossini’s playful side. Decades later, Respighi orchestrated excerpts from these pieces into a ballet score for Sergei Diaghilev’s *Ballets Russes*, the famed dance company that premiered many avant-garde works. The ballet tells the story of a magical toy shop where dolls come to life, dance, and enchant their customers. The plot is lighthearted, allowing Rossini’s melodies to shine in Respighi’s lush, colorful orchestrations.
Although not as frequently performed as Rossini’s operas, *The Magic Shop* remains a delightful discovery for classical music lovers. Respighi’s orchestration breathes new life into Rossini’s forgotten miniatures, making them sparkle with wit and charm. The ballet has been performed by various companies over the years, and the orchestral suite is occasionally heard in concert halls.
*The Magic Shop* is a testament to Rossini’s enduring genius and Respighi’s skill as an orchestrator. It offers a whimsical escape into a world of musical fantasy, proving that even Rossini’s “sins of old age” are imbued with timeless magic. For those familiar with his operas, this ballet offers a new and exciting insight into the composer’s boundless creativity. Dear listeners, you have the opportunity to support the channel:
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