The Barber of Seville

(Il Barbiere Di Siviglia)


By: Gioachino Rossini

Libretto by: Cesare Sterbini

Cast:


Story:



ACT I

Count Almaviva, with a band of musicians, serenades Rosina outside the house of her guardian and fiancé, Dr. Bartolo. When Rosina fails to respond to the Count's song, he pays the musicians and sends them away. He hides as Figaro, the barber, approaches and boasts of his busy life as the neighborhood "jack-of-all-trades." Though currently in the employ of Bartolo, Figaro promises to help Almaviva win Rosina. Almaviva resumes his serenade, pretending to be "Lindoro," a destitute student who can offer her only his love. Rosina appears and replies that she will take him as he is, but she is suddenly interrupted. Figaro suggests that the Count might gain access to the house by disguising himself as a soldier. Figaro anticipates the reward that awaits him for his assistance. The next scene finds Rosina dreaming of Lindoro. She decides to oppose Bartolo by whatever means necessary. Figaro joins her, but they rush away at the sound of footsteps. Bartolo, aware of Almaviva's interest in his ward, enters with the music master Basilio, who suggests slandering the Count's reputation. Figaro overhears this plot, warns Rosina that Bartolo plans to marry her the following day, and promises to take a letter to Lindoro. There is a knock at the door, and Berta, the maid, returns with Almaviva, disguised as a drunken soldier in search of a night's lodging. The commotion attracts a large crowd, and soldiers arrive to quell the disturbance. When Almaviva is arrested, he reveals his true identity to the officer in charge, and is released. Bartolo is stupefied by the trickery. Figaro makes sport of all amid the general confusion.

ACT II

Bartolo welcomes a new music teacher, Don Alonso (really the Count, again in disguise), who says he is replacing the ailing Basilio. Rosina quickly recognizes her suitor, and the singing lesson begins. Figaro arrives to give Bartolo a shave, meanwhile managing to steal the balcony key. Basilio enters, obviously in good health, but a bribe from the Count convinces him to feign illness, and he leaves. While Figaro shaves Bartolo, the Count and Rosina plan their elopement that night. Bartolo overhears them and drives Almaviva from the house and Rosina to her room. During a violent thunderstorm, Bartolo sends Basilio to fetch a notary. He then convinces Rosina that her suitor Lindoro is really a servant of Almaviva sent to abduct her on behalf of the scheming count. When Lindoro (the Count) and Figaro arrive to get Rosina, she at first rejects her suitor, but then falls into his arms when she learns that he and the Count are one and the same person. Basilio enters with the notary, and the outwitted Bartolo bestows his blessing on the happy couple.

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