Gioachino Antonio Rossini (Giovacchino Antonio Rossini in the baptismal certificate) (29 February 1792 – 13 November 1868) is an Italian composer who writes 39 operas as well as sacred music, chamber music, songs, and some instrumental and piano pieces.

His best-known operas include the Italian comedies Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville) and La Cenerentola and the French-language epics Moïse et Pharaon and Guillaume Tell (William Tell).

A tendency for inspired, song-like melodies is evident throughout his scores, which lead to the nickname "The Italian Mozart".

Until his retirement in 1829, Rossini is the most popular opera composer in history.