The Met - Il Barbiere di Siviglia

Overview

With its hilarious hijinks and vocal virtuosity, Rossini’s madcap comedy always proves a delightful treat. For this 1988 telecast, the Met assembled a cast capable of tackling both the musical and physical challenges of this bel canto farce, seen here in a whimsical production by John Cox. From the moment he takes the stage with Figaro’s iconic aria “Largo al factotum,” Leo Nucci combines winning charm with a robust baritone. Soprano Kathleen Battle tosses off one glittering vocal display after another as the feisty Rosina, while tenor Rowell Blake makes for an ardent Count Almaviva. Ralf Weikert conducts the lively performance, which also includes the comic duo of Enzo Dara as Dr. Bartolo and Ferruccio Furlanetto as Don Basilio.

Cast

Leo Nucci

Figaro

Kathleen Battle

Rosina

Rockwell Blake

Count Almaviva

N/A

Enzo Dara

Bartolo

Ferruccio Furlanetto

Basilio

N/A

Ralf Weikert

Self - Conductor