Released:
2009-07-04

Overview:
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...

Director:
David Stevens

Runtime:
2h 30min

Genre:
Music

• Cast:
• 
  Joyce DiDonato
  as
  Rosina
• 
  Juan Diego Flórez
  as
  Almaviva
• 
  Pietro Spagnoli
  as
  Figaro
• 
  Ferruccio Furlanetto
  as
  Basilio
• 
  Alessandro Corbelli
  as
  Bartolo