THIS popular Overture almost epitomizes the Opera in which Rossini and his librettists present the story of the Swiss liberation-tho rousing of tho forest cantons by William Tell and the overthrow of the tyrant Gessler.
William Tell is one of Rossini's last operas (it is nearly one hundred years old), and has practically nono of the triviality of most of his earlier works.
The Overture is a fine piece of descriptive music, both dramatic and pictorial. Calm meditation is the mood in which it opens, suggesting the serenity of nature. Very unusual is the tone-colour : only five Solo 'Cellos and two Double Basses are used. Presently a storm gathers and gradually swells to tremendous force.
The storm goes as gradually as it came, until peace is restored. Then is heard a pastoral tune (on the Cor Anglais, representing the Swiss shepherd's pipe), with much decoration added above by a Flute This tune is the traditional ' Ranz des Vaches,' or cow call.
The Overture ends with a lively March, ' battle music, the final triumph of the Swiss people,' as it has been described.