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William Tell
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William Tell

opera by Rossini
Also known as: “Guillaume Tell”
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Quick Summary

The opera William Tell (Guillaume Tell) by Gioachino Rossini premiered in 1829 and was his final opera. The opera is based on the legend of William Tell, a Swiss folk hero known for his defiance against Austrian rule. The most famous part of the opera is its overture, particularly its final section, which became widely recognized as the theme music for The Lone Ranger.12

The legend of William Tell, though its historical accuracy is debated, tells of a peasant who defied Austrian authorities, was forced to shoot an apple off his son's head, and ultimately assassinated the governor, helping to spark a Swiss rebellion. This story was popularized by German dramatist Friedrich Schiller in his 1804 play Wilhelm Tell. Ironically, Rossini borrowed the overture's melodies from an earlier opera, and they do not appear within the opera William Tell itself.231

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  1. William Tell
  2. William Tell Overture
  3. William Tell

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