What was Rossini's key principle in opera composition?
My central principle? Simplicity itself, but with such spice! It is about clarity and effectiveness. I believed that a good opera should have a memorable melody, a clear dramatic structure, and a satisfying emotional arc. Each element, like ingredients in a fine sauce, must complement the others perfectly. Too much ornamentation, and you drown the flavor! Too little, and it is bland. I sought that perfect balance, that *brio*, that makes the music sing and the drama unfold with irresistible charm. A dash of wit, a pinch of pathos – that is the secret!
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