Synopsis

A Brief Synopsis of The Barber of Seville

Act I

Count Almaviva gets nowhere serenading Rosina, for whom he has fallen head over heels. He’s disguised himself as a poor student named “Lindoro”, hoping Rosina will fall in love with him and not his royal title. Enter Figaro, famously introducing himself with the rapid-fi re aria, Largo al factotum. Almaviva hires Figaro to help him fi gure out a way to free Rosina from the clutches of Dr. Bartolo. Figaro’s fi rst idea is to insert Almaviva into Bartolo’s house, disguised as a drunken soldier. Meanwhile, Rosina has written Almaviva i.e. “Lindoro”, a letter, described in the lovely Una voce poco fa. Bartolo hears there’s a new rival in town from the music teacher, Don Basilio. Basilio advises Bartolo that they should foil Almaviva’s plans by discrediting him through gossip (La Calunnia). Bartolo plans to marry Rosina without delay. Figaro warns Rosina. In the general commotion, police try to arrest the disguised Almaviva. When they realize he’s a noble, they back off. Bartolo is bewildered and the act ends in general confusion.

Act II

Ever-helpful Figaro’s next idea is to have Almaviva pretend he’s Rosina’s substitute music teacher, standing in for the regular teacher, Don Basilio, who’s allegedly ill. Bartolo falls for this. Figaro, in his barber role, arrives to give Bartolo a shave, a distraction that allows Almaviva and Rosina to declare their love. Basilio arrives, threatening to blow Almaviva’s music teacher cover, but Figaro and the lovers convince Basilio that he really is sick and ought to go home. Bartolo eventually sees through the ruse and decides to accelerate the wedding plans. He shows Rosina the letter she wrote Lindoro, leading Rosina to believe she’s been duped. She decides to marry Bartolo. After a storm, Figaro and Almaviva climb a ladder to Rosina’s balcony to try and set her straight. Bartolo removes the ladder, trapping the plotters, and rushes off to call the police. By the time he returns, a notary has arrived and Figaro tells him to marry Almaviva and Rosina forthwith. Basilio protests this marriage, sensing that they should wait for Bartolo. With a roll of cash and the threat of a pistol, Basilio agrees, and the newlyweds win congratulations from all.

-Gene Carlson