jmc's classics
This is the anniversary of the premier of The Barber of Seville by Rossini in 1816. it along with Bizet's Carmen are two of the most iconic operas. The libretto was written by Cesare Sterbini (1784-1831) who collaborated with Rossini on two other operas. It is based on the play of the same name written by French writer Pierre Beaumarchais (1732-1799). he was influential in the court of King Louis XVI. he wrote other plays. Another play, The Marriage of Figaro has the same characters was made in to an opera by Mozart. This opera is known for a few arias. Mozart's two most famous operas were Don Giovani and the Magic Flute Another Italian composer Giovani Paisiello (1740-1816) also wrote an opera based on The Barber of Seville but is not as famous. This opera is more centered on the romance between Count Almaviva and Rosina. I have heard some of Paisiello's keyboard concertos which I like.
It is set In Seville Spain in the 18th Century. Bartolo Physician has Rosina in his custody. Count Almavica wants to marry her. However Bartolo wants to have her as his wife. Figaro the barber helps Count Almaviva to win Rosina. That is the basic synopsis. It is in two acts. Tis is an opera buffa which means comic opera. It is known for its aria "Largo al Factorum" which is sung by Figaro and one of the most famou9s opera arias. This has been in many movies etc. and there are many parodies have ben made of this aria. I remember when I was a child my family had a copy of this opera on 78 RPM. It was one of the first operas that I had heard of. Rossini wrote other operas and religious works and several string sonatas. He retired from composing in the 1830s. Like Jean Sibelius he did not write much the later part of his life. Rossini's other famous opera was William Tell or Guillaume Tell. This opera is based on the legend of the Swiss hero and is known for its overture which was used in the Lone Ranger. The Barber of Seville is usually knon by its Italian title Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Seville is a city in south-west Spain
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