Years after the production of his most well-known operas, Rossini had been experiencing prolonged illness, tiresome treatments, and other conflicts that left him exhausted and pessimistic. After traveling for various medical treatments, he returned to Paris where his health finally improved, allowing his focus to return to composing as well as hosting one of the most interesting salons in the city at the time. His humor resurfaced, and he developed an interest in short piano pieces that explore witty musical ideas, just as an appetizer would succinctly present a culinary idea. In the collection called Péchés de vieillesse or “Sins of Old Age,” Rossini produced several volumes of vocal, chamber, and solo piano pieces that were often themed. The fourth volume included Quatre hors d’oeuvres, odes to four appetizers such as “Anchois” or anchovies, as well as Quatre mendiants, character pieces named for figs, almonds, raisins, and hazelnuts.

“Anchois” is written in the form of a theme and variations with the theme introduced after a quick introduction. This introductory statement is repeated throughout, serving as a sort of interlude between each variation. The theme is playful, lighthearted, and decorated with a few sparkling trills. Additional trills and arpeggios expand the melody gracefully in the first variation. The second variation adds repeated-note pronouncements and the instruction to be played a little faster, giving it the feel of a fanfare. The repeated notes continue in the interlude as well. Of the variations, the third has the biggest shift in feel with its smooth, flowing accompaniment. Its interlude phrase is also elevated with running triplet lines leading into a bold, animated conclusion.

—©Ainsley Berryhill