February 29, 1792, was the birthday of the genius composer Gioachino Rossini, whose operas count as some of the most popular of all. Even today, people who'd claim no knowledge of or interest in opera know the William Tell and Barber of Seville overtures, and have heard somebody somewhere sing "Fiagro, Figaro, Figaro, Fiiiiiiii-ga-ro!" As befits a Leap Day baby, Rossini was best known for his sparkling comedies. He eventually retired from the theater and dedicated himself to food - a man after my own heart.
Here's the frantic finale to Act One of Il Barbieri di Siviglia. "Il Cervello Poverello" (My Poor Brain) where the characters all babble endlessly about how they wish the others would shut up and give them some peace. Thanks for the music, Maestro, and happy 55th birthday!
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