The greatest composer of the early 19th century achieved everything that was possible to achieve, including being the toast of salons and balls, rich and poor, gentlemen and servants. Crowds awaited the first performance of his new operas and newspaper headlines declared that Rossini was writing a new work. However, he suddenly changed his mind and retired. To the kitchen. Lo and behold, there too he created something truly lasting. Cinderella is given an apron and a wooden spoon. The story and its popular arrangement tell us how the composer “cooks” an opera. All we know is that it takes a portion of love and evil, and a sprinkling of humour. The proportions are of course essential. The celebrity chef of all composers, Rossini himself is here in person to tell the secret recipe.