Rossini
The Barber of Seville
The Barber of Seville,"Rossini","Rossini’s The Barber of Seville (1816) is a comic opera in which the clever barber Figaro helps Count Almaviva win the love of Rosina, who is jealously guarded by her guardian Dr. Bartolo. Based on Beaumarchais’ play, the opera premiered in Rome and—despite a chaotic first night—quickly became a triumph. Its sparkling wit, rapid-fire ensembles, and Figaro’s iconic entrance aria made it one of the most beloved operas in the repertoire."
First Performance:
The Barber of Seville,"Rossini","Premiered 20 February 1816 at Teatro Argentina, Rome. First night disastrous due to disruptions, but the second performance reversed fortunes and it rapidly became a major comic‑opera success."
Historical setting:
The Barber of Seville,"Rossini","Written in 1816 during Rossini’s meteoric rise, the opera reflects post‑Napoleonic Italy’s appetite for lively comic works. Based on Beaumarchais’ pre‑Revolutionary satire, it channels Enlightenment wit and social critique, becoming a defining model of early 19th‑century opera buffa."