The Barber of Seville

The Barber of Seville is a theatre play by Beaumarchais, written in 1775, and originally entitled Le Barbier de Séville in French. A comic opera in two acts by Gioacchino Rossini was founded on Beaumarchais' comedy by Cesare Sterbini, Il Barbiere di Siviglia in Italian. An opera based on Beaumarchais's play has been previously composed by Giovanni Paisiello, Nicholas Isouard. Though the work of Paisiello triumphed for a time. Rossinii's later version alone has stood the test of time and has been the main­stay of the operatic repertoire, since its introduction at Rome in 1816.

Rossini's Cast of Characters

:Rosina, Bartolo's pupil (lyric coloratura or mezzo soprano)

Related Topics:
Coloratura - Mezzo soprano

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:Don Bartolo, Rosina's guardian (bass)

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:Count Almaviva, scion of his family. He uses the alias Lindoro (tenor)

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:Figaro, the Barber of Seville (baritone)

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:Fiorello, the Count's servant

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:Basilio, Bartolo's accomplice, a music teacher (bass)

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:Berta, servant to Doctor Bartolo (soprano)

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