The well-known aria announcing the barber's entrance -- Figaro!... Eh,
Figaro! -- highlights this comic romp of an opera. Based on
Beaumarchais' Le Barbier de Seville, Rossini's 1816 classic began as
Almaviva, or the Useless Precaution, in an attempt to avoid confusion
with a highly successful Il Barbiere di Siviglia of a half-century
earlier. An opening night fiasco and persistent interruptions during the
premiere by fans of the older play were but momentary detours on the
path of this masterpiece to international fame. With the now-famous
overture in place, the work reached the operatic capitals of the world,
becoming the first opera to be sung in Italian in New York.
Ideal for conductors, soloists, chorus members, and rehearsal pianists,
this practice and performance vocal score is based on the classic 1900
Schirmer edition. Please note that the lyrics appear in the original
Italian only.