Tancredi

opera by Rossini

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July 14, 2026

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Tancredi is an opera seria by Gioachino Rossini, first performed in 1813. It was one of Rossini's early successes and a significant work in his reform of the opera seria genre. The opera is known for its dramatic score and memorable melodies, including the famous aria "Di tanti palpiti".1

Rossini aimed to revitalize the traditional opera seria by incorporating more dynamic musical structures and emotional depth, blending elements of both serious and comic opera. Tancredi exemplifies this approach, showcasing Rossini's talent for melody and rhythmic vitality, which contributed to his widespread fame across Italy and beyond.12

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Gioachino Rossini
Italian period
…La Fenice—his first serious opera, Tancredi (1813), in which he tried to reform opera seria (the formula-ridden, serious operas of the 18th century), and he composed an authentically dramatic score. This work, spirited and melodious, was an instant success. Tancredi’s famous song, “Di tanti palpiti,” was whistled all over town.…
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…La Fenice—his first serious opera, Tancredi (1813), in which he tried to reform opera seria (the formula-ridden, serious operas of the 18th century), and he composed an authentically dramatic score. This work, spirited and melodious, was an instant success. Tancredi’s famous song, “Di tanti palpiti,” was whistled all over town.…
Read More

Marilyn Horne
…such “trouser roles” as Rossini’s Tancredi and Handel’s Rinaldo. Because of her ability to sing roles that had been originally written for the castrati (who had both an upper range and great vocal power), Horne was known for resurrecting seldom-performed operas. Horne’s efforts were rewarded in 1982, when she was…
Read More
…such “trouser roles” as Rossini’s Tancredi and Handel’s Rinaldo. Because of her ability to sing roles that had been originally written for the castrati (who had both an upper range and great vocal power), Horne was known for resurrecting seldom-performed operas. Horne’s efforts were rewarded in 1982, when she was…
Read More