Cesare Sterbini

A Spanish count who has fallen in love at first sight with a girl called Rosina. To ensure that she really loves him and not just his money, the Count disguises himself as a poor college student, and attempts to woo her. His plans are foiled by Rosina's guardian Doctor Bartholo, who intends to marry her himself. The Count's luck changes after a reunion with an ex-servant of his, Figaro, who is currently working as a barber, devises a variety of ways for the Count and Rosina to meet and talk.

Rossini's popular work - which was first performed in 1816 at the Teatro Argentina in Rome - contains some of opera's most tuneful and recognizable music - from its lively overture to Figaro's Largo al factotum to Rosina's Una voce poco fa. Based on the play of the same title by the French dramatist Beaumarchais (1732-1799), the opera is a delightful rigmarole of riotous situations in a race to win the hand of the young Rosina. (imdb)