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Gioachino Rossini's opera "Guillaume Tell" is notable for several interesting facts:

1. Final Opera: "Guillaume Tell," also known as "William Tell," was Rossini's last opera. He composed it in 1829 and it premiered in 1829 in Paris. After its premiere, Rossini, who was by then only in his thirties, largely retired from composing operas and focused on other pursuits.

2. Overture: The opera's overture is one of Rossini's most famous compositions. It's often performed independently as a concert piece and is recognizable for its stirring melodies and use of brass and string instruments. The overture's finale, known as the "March of the Swiss Soldiers," is particularly iconic.

3. Historical Inspiration: "Guillaume Tell" is based on the Swiss folk hero William Tell, who, according to legend, shot an apple off his son's head with a crossbow as a demonstration of his marksmanship. The opera also draws from Friedrich Schiller's play "William Tell," but Rossini and his librettist Étienne de Jouy made several changes and adaptations to the story.

4. Four Acts: The opera consists of four acts and is often considered a grand opera due to its scope and scale. It features a mix of dramatic and lyrical moments, along with scenes of political intrigue and personal conflict.

5. Choral Highlights: "Guillaume Tell" features several impressive choral scenes, including the celebrated "Ranz des Vaches," a melody that is associated with Swiss mountain pastoral life. This melody has become synonymous with Swiss identity and is often performed independently from the opera.

6. Epic Scale: The opera's final act includes a famous scene known as the "Apple Scene," where William Tell is forced to shoot an apple off his son's head. This tense and dramatic moment showcases Rossini's ability to create thrilling theatrical experiences.

7. Influence on Later Works: The opera had a significant influence on other composers, most notably on Richard Wagner. Wagner was greatly impressed by "Guillaume Tell," and elements of Rossini's compositional style and orchestration can be detected in some of Wagner's later works.

8. Length and Revisions: "Guillaume Tell" is known for its length. It's considerably longer than most operas of its time, which contributed to its grand opera classification. Rossini also revised the opera multiple times after its initial premiere, making alterations to both the music and the plot.

9. Revivals and Performances: While "Guillaume Tell" is not as frequently performed as some of Rossini's other operas, it has experienced occasional revivals and is still staged by opera companies around the world. Its demanding vocal and orchestral requirements make it a challenging but rewarding piece to produce.

10. Legacy: "Guillaume Tell" stands as a testament to Rossini's compositional genius and his ability to create emotionally impactful music. It showcases his mastery of both the dramatic and lyrical aspects of opera, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.

These facts highlight the significance of Gioachino Rossini's opera "Guillaume Tell" and its lasting influence on the world of classical music.