Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) composed chamber music and sacred music, but is chiefly known today for his comic operas such as The Barber of Seville, La Cenerentola, and L'italiana in Algeri. A child prodigy, he was composing works for string orchestra at the age of 12. His first success on the opera stage was The Barber of Seville, which premiered when he was still 18 years old. His successes continued until his sudden retirement at the age of 37. His operas are distinguished by their technical finesse, their rewarding roles for singers, and their expert sense of comic and dramatic timing.