23-year-old Gioachino Rossini completed his masterpiece IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA incredibly quickly – legend has it in just 13 days – which Rossini attributed to ‘facility and lots of instinct’. The opera, characterized by youthful energy and bold wit, has all the ingredients for comic chaos: an imprisoned young woman, her lecherous guardian and a young noble suitor. Skilfully plotting behind the scenes is Figaro, an irrepressible and inventive character in whom many have seen a resemblance to the young Rossini himself. The score fizzes with musical brilliance, from Figaro’s famous entrance aria to the frenzy of the Act I finale. This recording sees Joyce DiDonato (Rosina) bring literal meaning to the old theatrical motto Break a leg! She did just that in an earlier show but was determined to finish her commitment and was re-staged into the production to allow for the additional challenges that come when a leading lady in a lively physical role must wheel around the other performers...

Gioachino Rossini, de 23 años, completó su obra maestra IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA increíblemente rápido, la leyenda lo tiene en solo 13 días, lo que Rossini atribuyó a "facilidad y mucho instinto". La ópera, caracterizada por la energía juvenil y el ingenio audaz, tiene todos los ingredientes para el caos cómico: una joven encarcelada, su guardián lujurioso y un joven pretendiente noble. Tramando hábilmente detrás de escena está Figaro, un personaje irreprimible e inventivo en el que muchos han visto un parecido con el joven Rossini. La partitura rebosa de brillantez musical, desde el famoso aria de entrada de Figaro hasta el frenesí del acto final. En esta grabación, Joyce DiDonato (Rosina) aporta un significado literal al viejo lema teatral ¡Rompe una pierna!