Gioachino Rossini. The Barber of Seville
Gioachino Rossini's bright, brilliant comic opera "The Barber of Seville" performed by world stars of the opera stage.
"Almaviva, or the Vain Precaution" - under this name the opera was staged at the Rome Teatro "Argentina" to distinguish it from Giovanni Paisiello's opera "The Barber of Seville, or the Useless Precaution", which gained popularity in 1782.
In 1816, Rossini was not afraid to take on the obligation to create a new opera for the carnival at the Rome Teatro Argentina. However, he encountered difficulties, since all the librettos he proposed were rejected by the censors. Then the young composer turned to Paisiello, and he gave his consent to use the plot of "The Barber of Seville", being completely confident about the failure of Rossini's brainchild. It took Gioachino Rossini less than twenty days to create the masterpiece, while Cesare Sterbini's libretto was also being created.
On the first evening, Rossini's new work failed, but then everything changed, success followed success. And today, the opera, based on the play of the same name by the French playwright Pierre Beaumarchais, delights with the rigmarole of violent situations in the race for the hand of the young Rosina.
The action takes place in Seville (Spain) in the 18th century.
The square in front of Dr. Bartolo's house. Count Almaviva, disguised as the poor student Lindor, sings a serenade under Rosina's window. But Rosina does not show up - she is under the strict supervision of her guardian, the elderly Dr. Bartolo, who himself dreams of marrying his ward and taking possession of her dowry. The barber Figaro appears, who agrees to help the Count meet Rosina. On Figaro's advice, Almaviva, disguised as Lindoro, begins to sing the serenade again.
Rosina dreams of Lindoro. Basilio learns of this and tries to warn Bartolo of the danger. On Figaro's advice, Almaviva, this time disguised as a young soldier, bursts into Bartolo's house and demands to be lodged. Due to the resulting noise and confusion, the gendarmes come to Bartolo's aid, but retreat after they recognize the soldier as the Count.
Almaviva, disguised again, comes to Bartolo, offering to teach Rosina singing in place of Basilio, who has "fallen ill." Rosina begins her lessons. Figaro's barber comes to Bartolo; while he shaves Bartolo, Rosina and Almaviva prepare to escape that evening. Basilio appears, convinced that he is ill and should return home. Bartolo suspects that he is being deceived and sends all visitors away from the house.
A storm begins outside. Figaro and the Count place a ladder against the window and climb inside to help Rosina escape from the house. When everyone is ready, it turns out that the ladder is gone (Bartolo has removed it). A notary appears to register Bartolo and Rosina's marriage, but Almaviva bribes him. By the time Bartolo returns to the house, Almaviva and Rosina have already married. The Count gives the doctor Rosina's dowry as consolation.
PERFORMERS:
Count Almaviva - Reinaldo Macias
Figaro, the barber - Manuel Lanza
Bartolo, doctor of medicine, Rosina's guardian - Carlos Chausson
Rosina, his ward - Vesselina Kazarova
Basilio, her music teacher - Nikolai Ghiaurov
Fiorello, Count Almaviva's servant - Valery Murga
Officer - Peter Kalman
Chorus and Orchestra of the Zurich Opera House
Conductor - Nello Santi
Stage Director - Grisha Asagaroff
Zurich Opera House, Zurich, 2001