The play and opera versions of “The Barber of Seville,” essentially accomplished the same goals in the plot, but the opera was more lively and entertaining.  One thing that made it so, was the group musicals throughout the opera.  Instead of having one person singing the entire time, the group sang together.  This made it more pleasing since there were different voices, like the tenors, sopranos, bass, and baritones.

When reading the play, I was confused as to why the title was “ The Barber of Seville.”  The reason being that the barber, Figaro, seemed to be a supporting cast to the love trio that the play focuses on.  However, in the opera, Figaro runs the show.  He even admits that he “runs the house” of Dr. Bartolo since he performs multiple duties of a “barber, surgeon, botanist, apothecary, [and] veterinarian.”  He also seems to create the bond between the Count and Rosina.  He coaches the Count and tells him what to do,  while he entices Rosina with the temptations of a lover.  From the opera, I understand why the title is “The Barber of Seville,” because without Figaro, there would be no story.

Towards the end of the opera, the change from Dr. Bartolo bribing the notary to threating him with a gun was a nice touch.  It showed the corner that Bartolo felt he was backed into and the only way he could get out was by drastic actions.  By bribing the notary he was in control, but having the gun made him seem more desperate, which he should be since he was losing the woman he wants to marry.

In the end though everyone seems happy.  Dr. Bartolo doesn’t get the girl, but he gets the dowry.  Then he continues to bless the Count and Rosina on their marriage.  I felt this tied into the idea of “all’s well that ends well.”  Especially with the closing lines of “May love and faith eternal reign in both your hearts.”