Libretto by Gherardini. Reprint of Zedda's critical edition. Preface in It. and Eng. One of Rossini's finest and most brilliant operas in the semi-serious genre, "La Gazza Ladra" ("The Thieving Magpie") is based on a true story. A French servant girl was tried and executed for theft, but the real culprit was later discovered to be a magpie. Gherardini's libretto combines both dramatic and comic elements, and Rossini's music moves from a light-hearted, pastoral tone to one of deep tragedy and back. 2 volumes. Full score, 1248 p.