Il Barbiere di Siviglia

The plot pattern is familiar: An elderly guardian who wants to enjoy the fortune and attractiveness of his young ward; the woman who is so distressed, but who loves a younger man; an intriguer who works for the guardian; and an active good spirit who in turn supports the lovers. In the end, however, the young couple find each other and the guardian loses out.

Countless comedies tell this story in ever new variations. One of the most original variations was written by the adventurer and scandalous writer Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais. His Barbier de Séville in turn inspired several composers to write an opera version. The most famous among them is Gioachino Rossini. With the sensual brilliance of his music, he was the congenial partner to turn the screw even further on the exuberant turbulence presented by the French author in his comedy. No wonder, then, that Rossini's Il barbiere di Siviglia is one of the most comical of the most popular operas.