The Barber of Seville (Il Barbiere di Siviglia) 15 years old

Il Barbiere di Siviglia (2009) Royal Opera. Rossini / Italian

23-year-old Gioachino Rossini completed his masterpiece IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA incredibly quickly – legend has it in just 13 days – which Rossini attributed to ‘facility and lots of instinct’. The opera, characterized by youthful energy and bold wit, has all the ingredients for comic chaos: an imprisoned young woman, her lecherous guardian and a young noble suitor. Skilfully plotting behind the scenes is Figaro, an irrepressible and inventive character in whom many have seen a resemblance to the young Rossini himself. The score fizzes with musical brilliance, from Figaro’s famous entrance aria to the frenzy of the Act I finale. This recording sees Joyce DiDonato (Rosina) bring literal meaning to the old theatrical motto Break a leg! She did just that in an earlier show but was determined to finish her commitment and was re-staged into the production to allow for the additional challenges that come when a leading lady in a lively physical role must wheel around the other performers...

Credits

The Barber of Seville Cast

Name	Character
Juan Diego Flórez He was 36, now 51 years old	as Almaviva
Alessandro Corbelli He was 56, now 72 years old	as Bartolo
Joyce DiDonato She was 40, now 55 years old	as Rosina

The Barber of Seville Crew

Name	Department
David Stevens as Director.	Directing
Gioachino Rossini as Original Music Composer. He was 217 (76) years old when He died	Sound
Cesare Sterbini as Writer. He was 225 (47) years old when He died	Writing
Antonio Pappano as Music. He was 49 (now 64) years old	Sound