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The Italian Girl in Algiers Fun Facts
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We’ve said it, time and again: opera is not “musical spinach.” Yes, it’s nutritious, substantial even, but you don’t have to hold your nose and swallow. Opera is consistently entertaining, both onstage and off, and occasionally, it’s downright outrageous. Need proof? Check out these Fun Facts. |
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Rossini and film go together like bread and jam and you’ve heard his music at the local Cineplex more often than you know in films such as “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” (2005), “Under the Tuscan Sun” (2003), “Clear and Present Danger” (1994), “My Life” (1993) and “A Clockwork Orange” (1971).
Rossini’s friends wanted a statue erected in his honor. “How much would that cost,” Rossini inquired. When told “20 thousand lira,” the composer offered to stand on a pedestal for half the price. You think he was kidding? Rossini’s first nine operas earned the equivalent of $1700. He collected no royalties and had no rights over subsequent productions of his works.
Rossini was a leap year baby, born on February 29, 1792. So, when he retired from the world of opera in 1829 he was only nine years old (No leap year in 1800). Leaping forward a few years, L’Italiana in Algeri was the very first opera produced by The Dallas (Civic) Opera in 1957.
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