Comparing baroque, romantic and post-romantic composers here. Rossini sounds classical, bravura, crescendo and dense. Puccini is very emotionally tender and realistic. Monteverdi is surprisingly realistic and expressive for baroque, but baroque instruments will usually help you decide. Be aware that Rossini Stabat Mater sounds more serious. (Monteverdi, Puccini, Rossini)

This must be a simplest comparison of most known romantic and post-romantic opera composers. Rossini sounds very classical, bravura, crescendo and dense. Puccini is very emotionally tender and realistic. (Puccini, Rossini)