William Tell Overture

A long, long, LONG time ago in Switzerland there lived a ruler who was very, very strict. His name was Gessler. He was always making rules for the people which made their life very hard.

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One day Gessler put a very tall pole up in the middle of the town square. He put his hat on the very top of the pole and made a rule that everyone in the town had to bow down in front of his hat!

Everyone was too afraid to break the rule so they bowed down,

except for WILLIAM TELL!

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William refused to bow down to the cap. He even laughed and said how silly the rule was. When Gessler heard about William Tell refusing to bow down be became VERY angry and worried. What if other people decided that they would not bow down either? 

Gessler decided that he should punish William Tell for laughing and breaking the rule. So he ordered him to come to the town square immediately and bring his son with him. Gessler took William Tell's son and stood him in front of the tall pole. He put an apple on top of the boy's head, then he turned to William, "I challenge you to use your bow and arrow to shoot the apple on your son's head".

Everyone watching gasped. What a dangerous challenge! What if William missed? What if his arm began to shake? What if his son accidentally moved? He could get very hurt. Would William accept the challenge?

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Of course he would! You see William Tell was an excellent archer! He was known all throughout the mountains of Switzerland for his skill with a bow and arrow. Without a word, William drew out his best arrow. He lined it up, and stretched out his bow. He took aim......and......

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WHOOSH......The arrow flew through the air and straight into the apple! The crowd standing around them cheered with joy! William Tell was the hero of the day!

Many years later, Giachino Rossini (a composer from Italy) heard this legend. He was so impressed that he decided to write an opera about William Tell's story. Here is the finale. 

Have you heard it before?

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This finale has been used on tv shows (The Lone Ranger) and in movies. It has also been used in cartoons. Let's watch some cartoon characters play this finale on their instruments in a band concert.

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William Tell Overture - By Giachino Rossini