Rossini Il Barbiere di Siviglia

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IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA A LIGHT HEARTED OPERA WITH COMEDIC MOMENTS

Set in Spain in the 17th century, Rossini's opera, The Barber of Seville, is a famous and thoroughly entertaining show. The energy that this opera delivers, is quite different from the majority of operatic narratives, in the sense of its well placed humour and lack of dramatic highs and lows, as well as the absence of a crescendo, generally featured in most plays. Laughter is key, with Il Barbiere di Sivigliaand its happy ending stays in line with its feel good factor, to keep audiences amused and exultant.

THE HISTORY
Dr Bartolo wants to marry Rosina, for her inheritance. Count Almaviva, captivated by Rosina, serenades her, outside Bartolo's home. Disguising himself as Lindora, to gain Rosina's affection, Almaviva makes his wishes known. Rosina agrees to elope with Lindora, but changes her mind, not realising Lindora is Almaviva. Upon realisation, they marry, with Figaro's help. Bartolo, receiving her dowry, is appeased.

Act 1
A group of musicians congregate outside Dr Bartolo's home, with Count Almaviva. He serenades Rosina, who is kept under lock and key, in the doctor's residence. Unable to secure an answer to his serenade, Almaviva pays the musicians, sending them away. Figaro, the barber, approaches and Almaviva asks for his advice. Figaro devises a plan, while Dr Bartolo, leaves home, with his plot to marry Rosina. Figaro tells Almaviva to disguise himself as Lindora, to attract Rosina's attention. He serenades her, saying he only has love to give. Figaro creates another plan, for Almaviva to gain entry into Dr Bartolo's home, telling him to disguise himself as a drunken solider. Figaro enters Dr Bartolo's home, although Bartolo doesn't believe Almaviva's story.

Act 2
Almaviva disguises himself as the music tutor Basilio's assistant, telling Bartolo that Basilio is sick. Bartolo, falling for this, invites Almaviva inside. Figaro arrives, taking Bartolo into another room, giving Almaviva and Rosina time alone. Almaviva and Rosina plan to elope. While shaving Bartolo, Figaro steals a key from the balcony. Once Figaro and Almaviva leave, Bartolo informs Rosina of Lindora's scheme to secure a marriage between her and Almaviva. Rosina, angered, agrees to marry Bartolo. He leaves to fetch a notary to marry Rosina. When Almaviva and Figaro return, Rosina refuses to leave with them, but agrees when told Lindora is truly Almaviva. They marry and Bartolo, once given Rosina's dowry, is satisfied.

MAIN ROLES
Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Count Almaviva,  - Tenor
Rosina, heiress and ward of Dr Bartolo- Soprano
Dr Bartolo, guardian of Rosina - Baritone
Figaro, and Helper of Count Almaviva - Baritone
Basilo, Music Tutor - Bass