🎵 Trivia of the Day
Published on November 9, 2025
Rossini’s “William Tell Overture” was the theme song of what TV show?
The correct answer is The Lone Ranger. The famous theme song for this groundbreaking TV western comes from the final movement of Gioachino Rossini’s “William Tell Overture”, composed in 1829. Known for its exhilarating galloping rhythm, the piece became synonymous with fast-paced heroism, making it a perfect fit for the adventures of the masked lawman who fought injustice in the American Old West.
The Lone Ranger first appeared as a radio show in 1933 and became a hit television series from 1949 to 1957, starring Clayton Moore as the title character and Jay Silverheels as Tonto. Each episode began with the thunderous overture, thrilling audiences across America. The music’s energy and momentum mirrored the galloping of the Ranger’s horse, Silver, turning Rossini’s classical work into an enduring pop culture symbol.
The overture’s influence spread far beyond television — it’s been featured in radio dramas, film adaptations, and countless cartoons. From Looney Tunes to Disney, this melody has become shorthand for speed, excitement, and adventure.
Interestingly, Rossini’s “William Tell Overture” is a four-part piece originally written as the introduction to his final opera, which depicted the story of Swiss hero William Tell. Yet, it’s the finale — “March of the Swiss Soldiers” — that became one of the most recognized pieces of classical music in popular culture. Today, its association with The Lone Ranger ensures that this 19th-century symphony continues to resonate with new generations of audiences.
Fun fact: The phrase “Hi-Yo Silver, away!” became one of the most iconic catchphrases in TV history — a rallying cry that still echoes whenever the overture is heard.