CHAPTER I

.

ROSSINI'S YOUTH.

Pedigree and Arms--Rossini's First Work--Rondo Finale--Five Operas in one Year--Rossini and the Conscription--"Un Curioso Accidente"--The Mombelli Family--An Operatic Burlesque 9

## CHAPTER II .

ITALIAN OPERA UNTIL "TANCREDI."

Rossini's Innovations--Rossini and an old Habitué--The Opera at Naples--Scarlatti and his School 27

## CHAPTER III .

FOUR HISTORICAL OPERAS.

Pergolese and Gluck--Cimarosa and Paisiello 37

## CHAPTER IV .

MOZART AND ROSSINI.

Mozart in Germany; and Abroad 43

## CHAPTER V .

ROSSINI'S REFORMS IN SERIOUS OPERA.

The Basso Cantante--Overture to "Tancredi"--Rossini's Crescendo--"Di tanti palpiti" 48

## CHAPTER VI .

ROSSINI'S REFORMS IN COMIC OPERA.

"L'Italiana in Algeri"--Anecdote of a Duet--Liveliness and Laziness 57

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