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43% Critic Match
The Barber of Seville
“Il Barbiere di Siviglia (2009) Royal Opera. Rossini / Italian”
4.3 / 10• 2009• 2h 30m•NR• Italian
Music
Storyline
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...
Cast & Crew
Joyce DiDonato
Rosina
Lead
Juan Diego Flórez
Almaviva
PS
Pietro Spagnoli
Figaro
Ferruccio Furlanetto
Basilio
Alessandro Corbelli
Bartolo
JR
Jennifer Rhys-Davies
Berta
CL
Changhan Lim
Fiorello
Oo
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
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What People Are Saying
3.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. David Stevens's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. The Barber of Seville is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
