Composer

:

Gioachino Rossini

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1816

Average_duration

:

115:09

Movement_count

:

28

Movement ....

"Il barbiere di Siviglia" is an opera buffa in two acts composed by Gioachino Rossini. The libretto was written by Cesare Sterbini, based on the play "Le Barbier de Séville" by Pierre Beaumarchais. The opera was first performed on February 20, 1816, at the Teatro Argentina in Rome. The plot revolves around the love story between Count Almaviva and Rosina, who is the ward of the elderly Dr. Bartolo. The Count is in love with Rosina and wants to marry her, but Bartolo has other plans. He wants to marry Rosina himself, as he hopes to inherit her fortune. To complicate matters, Bartolo has hired the scheming Figaro, the barber of Seville, to help him keep Rosina away from the Count. The opera is known for its fast-paced, witty music, which perfectly captures the humor and energy of the story. The overture, in particular, is one of Rossini's most famous compositions, with its lively, playful melody and intricate orchestration. "Il barbiere di Siviglia" is divided into two acts, each with several musical numbers. The first act introduces the characters and sets up the conflict between the Count and Bartolo. The second act is where the action really heats up, with Figaro and the Count hatching a plan to rescue Rosina from Bartolo's clutches. One of the most famous scenes in the opera is the "Largo al factotum" aria, sung by Figaro in the first act. The aria is a tour de force for the baritone, with its rapid-fire lyrics and catchy melody. Other notable musical numbers include Rosina's "Una voce poco fa" aria, in which she expresses her love for the Count, and the ensemble piece "Buona sera, mio signore," in which the characters all come together in a lively, comic scene. "Il barbiere di Siviglia" was an immediate success when it premiered in 1816, and it remains one of Rossini's most popular operas today. Its lively music, witty libretto, and memorable characters have made it a favorite of audiences around the world.

More....