Art & Authenticy

Much can be said about the appeal of operas to first time viewers. Much can be said about the appeal of operas to various social classes. One thing that is for certain though, The Barber of Seville is truly a masterpiece that has been passed down from history. Rossini created a remarkable gem in The Barber of Seville by combining the elements of effective plot twists, costuming, music and of course, singing. Nothing was more striking that how the opera commenced with the Barber of Seville Overture. There is no doubt that the familiar melody stirred our excitement in anticipation of the main theatrics. The flow of the production was very smooth in that the music’s tempo was appropriate to the setting. For example, when it built up to a crescendo, we can feel the excitement building up to the extent that certain audience members even began to shake with the flow. The comical aspect of “The Useless Precaution” added a sense of levity that would otherwise have contradicted the political setting of the time period. The Barber of Seville was a lighthearted and pleasant production that appealed to all audience members. Whether it was first-time theatergoers such as myself, or opera veterans with their professional opera glasses, The Barber of Seville created a good impression of what operas have to offer.