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Italian composer renowned for his 39 operas, celebrated for their melodic brilliance and comic timing. Born in Pesaro, Italy, Rossini composed his first opera at 18. He dominated Italian opera from 1810-1829 with works like 'The Barber of Seville' and 'William Tell'. Retired abruptly at 37, later composing sacred/chamber music. Suffered physical/mental health issues before death in Paris.

• Nicknamed 'The Italian Mozart', he composed his masterpiece 'The Barber of Seville' in under three weeks – though its 1816 premiere was a notorious failure due to onstage accidents and audience sabotage.
• Retired from opera at 37 despite global fame, citing exhaustion and disillusionment with production pressures. This 'Great Renunciation' baffled contemporaries.
• Suffered severe depression and gonorrhea-related urethritis during retirement. Later recovered creatively, composing the 'Stabat Mater' and humorous piano pieces titled 'Sins of Old Age'.
• Died of pneumonia following colorectal surgery in 1868. His remains were moved to Florence's Basilica di Santa Croce in 1887.
• A noted gourmand, dishes like 'Tournedos Rossini' (filet mignon with foie gras) bear his name. Hosted famed Parisian salons with culinary-musical pairings.