 Composed by Rossini (1792 – 1868) Listening and Responding The Barber of Seville (Il Barbiere Di Saviglia)

Very popular opera composer -Born in Pesaro, Italy -Learned music from his parents -His father played the horn and the trumpet, and his mother was an opera singer. -Rossini learned to play piano and sing when he was young.

  He composed his first opera when he was 18.  His most famous works were ‘The Barber of Seville’ and ‘William Tell’.  After composing William Tell, he stopped composing operas altogether. Operas

  18 th Century – Bartolo is trying to get Rosina to marry him because she has a good dowry.  Count Almaviva falls in love with Rosina. He does not want to be recognised, so he disguises himself in public. He wants Rosina to love him for himself, not because of who he is.  Almaviva gets Figaro (The Barber) to help him win Rosina’s heart.  There is a race against time for Almaviva to marry Rosina, before Bartolo gets back. The story has many comic moments. Summary of ‘The Barber of Seville’

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 Part 1 (0.00 – 2.00 mins.) Describe the opening of the piece. Use words like: dramatic, loud, soft, crescendo The Barber of Seville

 Does the music change for this part? If so, how would you describe it? Use words like: tempo, crescendo, frantic, call and answer, ominous. Part 2 – (2.00 – 3.24)

  Describe how the music sounds in this section. Is it different in any way to what has gone before? Does it sound brighter or more positive? Part 3 – (3.24 – 4.02 mins.)

  Is there a big difference between the music at 4.02 and 4.38? Describe this. Part 4 – (4.02 – 4.38 mins.)

  Do you recognise this part of the music? Has it been played before? If so, when was it played: Part 1,2,3 or 4? Part 5 – (4.42 – 5.12)

  How does the music change here? Does the mood seem dark or bright? Is it loud or soft? Does the tempo get faster, slower, or does it stay at a steady pace? Part 6 – (5.12 – 5.50)

  This is the finale of the whole piece. Describe it using some of the vocabulary you have learned since the start of the piece. Part 7 – (5.50 – Finish)