Il barbiere di Siviglia
Comic opera in two acts by Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)
Libretto by Cesare Sterbini
after Beaumarchais’ eponymous comedy
In Italian with German and English surtitles. Duration 3 H. incl. intermission after 1st part after approx. 1 H. 30 Min. Introduction 45 min before the performance.
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Il barbiere di Siviglia
Abstract
Il barbiere di Siviglia
Love, subterfuge and money – these are the ingredients from which Gioachino Rossini mixed his most popular opera buffa, Il barbiere di Siviglia. (The Barber of Seville). This is how the story goes: two young people are in love (Count Almaviva and Rosina); two old people attempt to thwart their love (Rosina’s guardian, Dr Bartolo, who has an eye on her dowry, and the schemer Don Basilio). The cast is completed by a shrewd mind – an expert not only as far as hairstyles are concerned, but also considered the number one address when it comes to affairs of the heart: Figaro. Rossini’s comedy, which is based on Beaumarchais’ eponymous stage play, has forfeited none of its freshness since its première performance in 1816. It is impossible to escape its rhythmical power, spiralling crescendos, absurd ensembles or highlights such as Figaro’s tongue-twister aria, Largo al factotum! For our revival, the Russian tenor Maxim Mironov comes as Almaviva to Zurich. He has made a name for himself especially as a celebrated Rossini tenor. His Rosina is the italian Mezzosoprano Serena Malfi. As a clever Figaro, baritone Andrzej Filonczyk spins the intrigues that lead to the happy ending. The musical direction is in the hands of the master in Italian repertoire Enrique Mazzola.
