Il barbiere di Siviglia

Today, not everyone remembers that the premiere of Rossini’s famous opera took place under the title Almaviva, ossia L’inutile precauzione (Almaviva or Excessive Caution). Changing the original title was one of the many efforts to unite the Roman audience. It was expected that the use by young Rossini of the text, on the canvas of which the widely respected Giovanni Paisiello had previously composed his own opera, can arouse negative emotions. And actually. The master’s consent and the explanation attached to the program did nothing. All attempts to alleviate the situation proved futile, and the premiere, which took place at the Teatro Argentina in Rome on February 20, 1816, ended in failure.

However, the audience received the second performance with due recognition. Soon, the opera gained fame not only in Italy, but also around the world. Adopting the title, which is identical with the literary prototype, Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia entertains and delights even today.