Rossini - La Gazza Ladra (The Thieving Magpie): Overture [HQ]

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La gazza ladra (Italian pronunciation: [la ˈɡaddza ˈlaːdra], The Thieving Magpie) is a melodramma or opera semiseria in two acts by Gioachino Rossini, with a libretto by Giovanni Gherardini based on La pie voleuse by Jean-Marie-Theodor Badouin d'Aubigny and Louis-Charles Caigniez.

The composer Giaochino Rossini wrote quickly, and La gazza ladra was no exception. According to legend, before the first performance of the opera, the producer assured the composition of the overture by locking Rossini in a room, from the window of which the composer threw out the sheets of music to the copyists who then wrote the orchestral parts, to complete the composition of the opera. As such, The Thieving Magpie is best known for the overture, which is musically notable for its use of snare drums. The unique inspiration in the melodies is extreme, famously used to bizarre and dramatic effect in Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange. This memorable section in Rossini's overture invokes the image of the opera's main subject: a clever, devilishly thieving magpie.

[silkthyme]

When the phone rang I was in the kitchen, boiling a potful of spaghetti and whistling along with an FM broadcast of the overture to Rossini’s The Thieving Magpie, which has to be the perfect music for cooking pasta. I wanted to ignore the phone, not only because the spaghetti was nearly done, but because Claudio Abbado was bringing the London Symphony to its musical climax. Finally, though, I had to give in. It could have been somebody with news of a job opening. I lowered the flame, went to the living room, and picked up the receiver.

[AHHHHHHHHHHHHl]

*"Leave that alone! Don't touch it! It's a very important work of art!"*

[PianoScenesMoviesandSeries]

4:09 One of the most phenomonal build-up in musical history.

[nessi]

As we walked along the flatblock marina, I was calm on the outside but thinking all the time, so now it was to be Georgie the General, saying what we should do and what not to do, and Dim as his mindless, grinning bulldog. But, suddenly, I viddied that thinking was for the gloopy ones and that the oomny ones use like inspiration and what Bog sends; for now it was lovely music that came to my aid. There was a window open with a stereo on, and I viddied right at once what to do...

[whovian]

Rossini is truly an underrated composer, this is one of if not the best opera overtures I’ve ever heard.

[altairibn-laahad]

"In a world of locked rooms, the man with the key is king. And honey, you should see me in a crown"

[nobodyaskedbut]

Rossini was the first great modern entertainer. He was a 20th century composer in the 19th century. His music is usually exhilarating and he remaines along with Tchaikovsky one of the 2 most entertaining of the pre-20th century masters.

[StuartwasDrinkell]

Such a classic! Metal. Funeral. Fun. Playfulness, drama... shit what is it rossini cant squeeze into 10 minutes... this is such a wonderful piece... words cant describe. Most under rated composer ever.

[Moonzy]

2:12
*"As we walked along the flatblock marina, I was calm on the outside, but thinking all the time - So now it was to be Georgie the general, saying what we should do and what not to do, and Dim as his mindless greeding bulldog. But suddenly, I viddied that thinking was for the gloopy ones, and that the oomny ones use like, inspiration and what Bog sends. For now it was lovely music that came into my aid. There was a window open with the stereo on, and I viddied right at once what to do."*

[crwydryn]

I have watched the antics of my garden Magpies throughout the pandemic and their freedom and innocence has kept me sane in my solitude. I feed them every day and they have become my wild pets. This amazing music perfectly describes their behaviour, how inspired Rossini must have been to produce this delicious piece of work.

[themike_]

just here for a bit of the good ol' ultraviolence

[linnmullin]

Ahh...Rossini! Once he was asked if he preferred wine, women or song. He supposedly responded that he could write his own songs. When questioned further about a preference for wine or women, he remarked, "It depends on the vintage." If that is a true story, I love the response! I also love to listen to his music....when I am feeling sad, it makes me feel very happy!

[keldance]

Rossini's finales are simply grand.

[bertvanderleer]

My father learned me to love classical music starting with " la gazza ladra", i whish he was here!!

[williamtennent]

I live in Australia magpies everywhere.Thank you Mr Rossini I can deal with them now.Nothing stolen.Superb.BRAVO

[blix]

One of the greatest compositions of all time by one of the greatest composers of all time

[mewling]

I was watching a k-drama "I Hear Your Voice" and one of the cast made reference of this piece and what it was about, so I decided to listen here. It's a lovely piece and I'm so glad I looked it up!

[stank]

4:10 I love this part, it sounds relaxing!

[jaynawilliams]

This piece of music is so incredibly beautiful, it make me cry tears from the beauty and joy of it.

[anthonyfromsiny]

This overture's fame was of course greatly enhanced by its use in the iconic film "A Clockwork Orange."