Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)
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The Thieving Magpie, a demonstration of the Rossini overture formula:
…another example, the overture to Semiramide:
… and a fine effort at recycling – the overture to the Barber of Seville plus the overture to Aureliano in Palmira and including the overture to Elisabetta, regina d’Inghilterra:
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The Art of Listening 
Delightful stuff. Is the overture to William Tell an exception to Rossini’s template? I’m thinking especially of the wonderful slow introduction for six solo cellos.
Yes, Hugh, you’re right. William Tell is Rossini’s last opera (at the grand old age of 37!) and its overture, with its storms, ranz des vaches, etc., is definitely an exception, in that it’s very much tied to the subject of the opera. It’s more of a medley piece, but rescued (if indeed it needs rescuing) by its very memorable melodies (though I have a feeling Berlioz might not have approved!