William Tell (opera)

William Tell is an opera by Gioacchino Rossini. The libretto was written by Etienne de Jou and Hippolyte Bis based on Friedrich Schiller's Wilhelm Tell. It was first performed in Paris on August 3, 1829. The original version was in French but it is often performed in Italian.

William Tell was Rossini's final opera even though the composer lived happily in France for nearly another 40 years afterwards. There are a several recordings of it, but due to its length (roughly six hours) and casting requirements (The tenor role contains 28 high Cs) it is not regularly performed. When it is performed, it is often heavily cut.

In addition, the opera's overture was used as the theme music for the Lone Ranger media property.

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