The life of legendary opera composer Gioacchino Rossini is recounted in this documentary, which examines how the author of "The Barber of Seville" opted to give up composing for the life of a performer at the age of 37. Using historical context, the film follows Rossini's life from his early years up to the height of his career, and includes a variety of excerpts from both his popular and his lesser-known works.