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The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro are two of the most beloved and enduring operas in the classical repertoire. Set in 18th-century Seville, Spain, these operas tell the story of the young Count Almaviva's attempts to win the hand of the beautiful Rosina, who is being held captive by her guardian, Dr. Bartolo. With the help of the wily barber, Figaro, Almaviva eventually succeeds in his quest, but not before a series of hilarious misadventures and near-disasters.

The Barber of Seville was composed by Gioachino Rossini in 1816. It is a two-act opera buffa, or comic opera, with a libretto by Cesare Sterbini. The opera premiered in Rome on February 20, 1816, and was an immediate success. It has since been performed countless times around the world and is considered one of the greatest operas ever written.

The story of The Barber of Seville begins with Count Almaviva, a young nobleman who has fallen in love with Rosina, the beautiful ward of Dr. Bartolo. Bartolo, however, is determined to marry Rosina himself and has locked her away in his house. Almaviva, with the help of Figaro, the barber, devises a plan to rescue Rosina.

The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro (Classics)

by Pierre Reverdy

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Figaro disguises himself as a drunken soldier and enters Bartolo's house. He quickly gets Bartolo drunk and then steals the key to Rosina's room. Almaviva, disguised as a music teacher, then enters the house and gives Rosina a singing lesson. The two lovers quickly fall in love, and Almaviva promises to rescue Rosina that night.

That night, Almaviva and Figaro return to Bartolo's house with a ladder. They climb up to Rosina's balcony and serenade her. Rosina agrees to elope with Almaviva, and the two lovers escape.

The Marriage of Figaro was composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1786. It is a four-act opera buffa with a libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte. The opera premiered in Vienna on May 1, 1786, and was another immediate success. It has since been performed countless times around the world and is considered one of the greatest operas ever written.

The story of The Marriage of Figaro begins three years after the events of The Barber of Seville. Figaro is now married to Susanna, the Countess Almaviva's maid. The Countess is unhappy in her marriage, and she believes that Almaviva is unfaithful to her.

Figaro and Susanna plan to trick Almaviva into revealing his true feelings. They arrange for Susanna to meet Almaviva in a garden, and they hide Figaro nearby. Almaviva arrives and begins to flirt with Susanna. Figaro then reveals himself, and Almaviva is forced to admit his infidelity.

The Countess overhears the conversation, and she is overjoyed to learn that Almaviva still loves her. The opera ends with Almaviva and the Countess reunited, and Figaro and Susanna happily married.

The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro feature a cast of memorable characters.

Count Almaviva is a young nobleman who is in love with Rosina. He is handsome, charming, and determined to win Rosina's hand.
Rosina is a beautiful young woman who is being held captive by Dr. Bartolo. She is intelligent, quick-witted, and determined to escape from Bartolo's clutches.
Dr. Bartolo is Rosina's guardian. He is a wealthy, elderly man who is determined to marry Rosina himself. He is greedy, selfish, and suspicious.
Figaro is the barber who helps Almaviva rescue Rosina. He is a cunning, resourceful, and loyal friend.
Susanna is the Countess Almaviva's maid. She is a clever, resourceful, and devoted servant.

The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro are both considered to be masterpieces of operatic music. Rossini's music for The Barber of Seville is full of energy, wit, and charm. Mozart's music for The Marriage of Figaro is more complex and sophisticated, but it is also full of beauty and melody.

Both operas feature some of the most famous arias in the repertoire. "Largo al factotum" from The Barber of Seville and "Voi che sapete" from The Marriage of Figaro are two of the most popular and recognizable arias in the world.

The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro have had a profound influence on the world of opera. They have inspired countless other composers, and they continue to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

These operas are a testament to the power of music to entertain, move, and inspire. They are a timeless treasure that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro are two of the most beloved and enduring operas in the classical repertoire. They are full of humor, romance, and intrigue, and they feature some of the most beautiful music ever written. These operas are a testament to the power of music to entertain, move, and inspire. They are a timeless treasure that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro (Classics)

by Pierre Reverdy

4 out of 5