La Gazza ladra sinfonia

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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.