The Barber of Seville (Le Barbier de Séville)

Research Status: Moderate Last Updated: 2025-07-06 Diary Coverage: Up to 1874-04-26

Identity

Opera buffa by Gioachino Rossini (1816), based on Beaumarchais' comedy. One of the most popular comic operas of the 19th century.

Diary References

1874

• April 26: Attends evening performance: "Le soir je vais au théâtre. 'Le Barbier de Séville' (robe de promenade, pas mal)." Notes her outfit choice.

Plot Summary

• Count Almaviva courts Rosina
• Helped by barber Figaro
• Outwits guardian Dr. Bartolo
• Famous arias: "Largo al factotum," "Una voce poco fa"
• Comic disguises and tricks

Context

• Performed at Nice theaters regularly
• Light entertainment for society
• Fashion display opportunity
• Social event as much as cultural

Cultural Significance

• Rossini's masterpiece
• Influenced comic opera tradition
• Beaumarchais trilogy adaptation
• Universal themes of young love vs. old guardians

Research Notes

• Nice opera house programming 1870s
• Society attendance patterns
• Fashion at opera performances