Gioachino Rossini’s The Barber of Seville (Il barbiere di Siviglia)

SYNOPSIS Act I: Count Almaviva, attended by a band of musicians, has come at dawn to serenade Rosina, a lovely young woman who has caught his eye. When he receives no response, he pays the musicians and sends them home. Outside her house, he comes upon Figaro, who informs the Count that Rosina is the ward of Dr. Bartolo. Although Bartolo keeps the girl under strict watch and plans to marry her himself, Figaro offers to help Almaviva with his pursuit. To Figaro’s guitar accompaniment, Almaviva begins another serenade. The Count, who wants to make sure that Rosina genuinely loves him – not merely for his wealth and title – claims to be a poor student named Lindoro. This time, Rosina’s voice is heard in response. Overjoyed, Almaviva readily agrees to Figaro’s next bit of advice: the Count is to disguise himself as a soldier and gain entry into the house with a false billeting order. Inside the house, Rosina vows to oppose Bartolo now that Lindoro has won her heart. Figaro arrives to conspire with her, but is forced to hide when Bartolo approaches. Bartolo tells Basilio, the music master, his suspicions that Almaviva is trying to steal Rosina’s heart. Bartolo readily agrees to Basilio’s suggestion that they begin a campaign of scandal to drive the Count out of town. The pair leave while planning Bartolo’s marriage to Rosina the very next day. Figaro tells Rosina that Lindoro is his cousin, madly in love with her. He suggests that she write to Lindoro, and is delighted and surprised when she hands him a letter at once. Bartolo, who has counted the sheets of paper on the desk, demands to know if Rosina has written to her lover. When she evades his question, he warns her that she cannot deceive him for long. Almaviva, disguised as a soldier, forces his way into the house. Bartolo eventually sees through the disguise. But when the police arrive to restore order, Almaviva evades arrest by revealing his identity to the sergeant. Confusion reigns as Almaviva makes his escape.

Act II: Later, Almaviva enters Bartolo’s house in the guise of a singing teacher, claiming that he has been sent to replace the ailing Basilio. During Rosina’s voice lesson, the Count is able to reassure her of his love. Figaro, who has come to shave Bartolo, manages to obtain his keys and the lovers agree to elope that evening. When Basilio himself shows up, the plot is nearly revealed, but the schemers manage to convince him that he is truly ill (a bribe from Almaviva seals the deal) and Basilio returns home.

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Figaro distracts Bartolo when Almaviva and Rosina make their secret plans. The suspicious Bartolo, however, quickly realizes what is happening. When Figaro and the Count are gone, Bartolo convinces Rosina that her lover is deceitful and plans to sell her off to the villainous Count Almaviva. That night, Figaro and Almaviva arrive as planned. The Count reveals his true identity to Rosina, who realizes that Bartolo has been lying to her, and the three prepare to make their escape. Basilio arrives with the notary for Bartolo’s marriage to Rosina; another bribe and the threat of a loaded pistol convince Basilio to let the notary authorize a wedding between Almaviva and Rosina. When Bartolo finally arrives, he is too late. He has no choice but to bless the union, and everyone rejoices at the happy outcome.

Synopsis by Mark Lyons

Washington National Opera www.dc-opera.org 202.295.2400 · 800.US.OPERA