Nov 04 2009
Unexpectedly a Funopera
Funopera is the word I made up to describe The Barber of Seville because I never expected an opera to actually be so fun, sweet, and drama free. It was like following a movie rather that what I thought would be three hours of mellow and lullaby-like singing.I was predisposed to be sleepy, bored, and unfocused, but the whole night actually proved to be contrary. I had no subtitles for the first two acts so i had to work twice as hard as everyone else to understand what was going on, but it was actually exciting. I didn’t miss out on any of the acting, sudden changes in lights, or staging changes since I never had to look down at my translation.
It was most entertaining to follow Figaro because he was just so energetic, dynamic, and adorable. I just kept thinking of how sweet it was for him to want to help Rosina and Count Almaviva; someone so arrogant should have better things to do. It was nice to see tricks and manipulation being used for good.
At first, I thought the doctor was Rosina’s father because I had no subtitles, and he also looked too old to be in love with her. Then when I realized he was, i thought about it and realized that he did not have a pervish, ambitious feel to him. He just kind of seemed like a protective father who doesn’t want his daughter with the wrong guy. He was also very gullible, I mean why would anyone trust a drunken soldier? I think overall, he was just a really harmless character. Even in the end when he finds out that Rosina and the Count are together, he just hugs her tightly, and gives in.
I loved Rosina’s voice, it was so beautiful. As a Mezzo-Soprano, she was able to hit extremely high notes, and in just seconds, a richer, deeper, and more intense note. Her range is so great, she can switch octaves in just moments. It made me love her as a character, and I loved her sensitivity, and passion in performing too.
Overall, the opera was really funny, and I was eager to follow it scene by scene. It is mainly because it was full of surprises. For instance, the random characters like the servant who just sat there the whole time, and out of no where was nearly crushed by an Anvil and involved in an explosion; And Berta who was just constantly sneezing. It is those things that made the opera interesting, and worth watching.
I thought Figaro was so entertaining too, he is the master of multi tasking. It was so interesting to see him cutting hair, flirting with several women, singing and bragging all with a great smile on his face.
The opera does leave the relationship between Dr. Bartolo and Rosina ambiguous first, so you’re not the only one who thought he was her father. I am wondering how he even get to become her guardian in the first place.
I agree with you when you say Figaro is an interesting character. I find it funny that while technically the main characters are Rosina and Almaviva, the opera was titled ‘The Barber of Seville.” This pretty much gives Figaro the “break out character” status.
I agree with you. In fact in the beginning, even i thought that Dr. Bartolo was Rosina’s father. Least realizing that he was after her money, and was not being protective of her.