Sinfonia in D Major: 1st Movement

Paisiello was a Classical-era Italian composer who was the most famous opera composer of the late 1700s. His operatic style influenced Mozart and Rossini, and both Haydn and Beethoven championed his music. The majority of his over 80 operas are comedies with a simple, direct, and spirited style. His later works have more complex characterization, more vibrant scoring, and warmer melodies (features that influenced Mozart). While not written for an opera, this music is so dramatic that the editor recommends that you have your students write their plot to match the themes and read it to the audience right before their presentation. This type of exercise will bring the music to life, which will be enjoyable for all, including the audience!