In 1829, at the age of 37, Rossini decided to retire. He had lots of money but his health was not particularly good. Although he wrote a few small pieces of music he never composed another opera. He went back to Bologna, although he returned to Paris nearly 20 years later with his wife.

Why did Rossini stop composing?

The few times Rossini spoke about his retirement, he was straightforward. He and his work were less welcome in Paris in the 1830s. He wanted to be in Italy with his aging, widowed father. He was sick and tired.

How old was Rossini when retired?

Guillaume Tell was Rossini's 39th and final opera. In 1829, at the age of just 37, he astonished the musical world by retiring. Rossini was to live for 40 more years but, despite frequent pleas, he never composed another opera.