William Tell Overture
by A Clockwork Orange
Of the many operas well known by name but seldom ever seen, this is one of the most famous due to its ubiquitous overture. Ironically, the overture did not even originate with this opera, and decidedly, its composer had no intention of it ever becoming the theme song of the masked avenger of the Wild West. Instead, he was setting an adaptation of German playwright Friedrich Schiller’s 1804 drama inspired by 14th century Swiss patriot William Tell. Finding himself pressed for time as the premiere approached, Rossini borrowed a pre-existing overture from one of his many earlier operas, Elizabeth, Queen of England, composed 14 years and 24 operas before William Tell. So its melodies are not drawn from William Tell itself, and if one were to listen through the opera seeking that famed Lone Ranger music, one would listen in vain.
Of the many operas well known by name but seldom ever seen, this is one of the most famous due to its ubiquitous overture. Ironically, the overture did not even originate with this opera, and decidedly, its composer had no intention of it ever becoming the theme song of the masked avenger of the Wild West. Instead, he was setting an adaptation of German playwright Friedrich Schiller’s 1804 drama inspired by 14th century Swiss patriot William Tell. Finding himself pressed for time as the premiere approached, Rossini borrowed a pre-existing overture from one of his many earlier operas, Elizabeth, Queen of England, composed 14 years and 24 operas before William Tell. So its melodies are not drawn from William Tell itself, and if one were to listen through the opera seeking that famed Lone Ranger music, one would listen in vain.