Demetrio e Polibio

opera by Rossini

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June 25, 2026

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Demetrio e Polibio is an opera seria by Gioachino Rossini, composed in 1806 when he was just 14 years old. It was Rossini's first opera seria and was written for the Mombelli family of singers. The opera was staged in 1812.1

Rossini was a prolific Italian composer, renowned for his operas, especially his comic operas like The Barber of Seville. He significantly influenced the development of opera, particularly the bel canto style, which emphasizes vocal agility and florid melodies. Rossini often blended elements of both opera buffa (comic opera) and opera seria (serious opera) in his works, creating more realistic characters. His innovative use of rhythm and his development of the scena structure, which alternates lyrical and dramatic moments, were also key contributions.12

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Gioachino Rossini
Early years
…composed his first opera seria—Demetrio e Polibio (1806; staged in 1812)—for the Mombelli, a family of singers. At 15 he had learned the violin, horn, and harpsichord and had often sung in public, even in the theatre, to earn some money.
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…composed his first opera seria—Demetrio e Polibio (1806; staged in 1812)—for the Mombelli, a family of singers. At 15 he had learned the violin, horn, and harpsichord and had often sung in public, even in the theatre, to earn some money.
Read More