Rossini, Barbiere for Chamber Orchestra, Parts

Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville), Gioachino Rossini’s comic masterpiece, premiered at the Teatro Argentina in Rome on February 20, 1816. Based on the first play of Pierre Beaumarchais’ famous trilogy, the opera follows the clever barber Figaro as he helps Count Almaviva win the hand of the beautiful Rosina. Rossini’s vibrant score teems with sparkling arias, intricate ensembles, and irresistible energy. The opera exemplifies opera buffa at its finest—witty, fast-paced, and full of musical brilliance. Despite a rocky premiere, Il Barbiere quickly became one of the most beloved operas ever composed.

Barbiere for Chamber Orchestra (17-26 players)

Rossini scored Il Barbiere di Siviglia for a Classical-era orchestra: strings, pairs of woodwinds, horns, trumpets, timpani, and continuo (typically harpsichord or fortepiano). The orchestra typically consists of 35–40 players. The opera adapts well to smaller forces, with many chamber versions successfully capturing its sparkle and precision. The Barber of Seville for Chamber Orchestra requires:

• Flute with piccolo, oboe, clarinet, bassoon
• (French) Horn, trumpet
• 1 percussionist with bass drum sistro and optional timpani
• String orchestra (10-18 players):
• 3-6 first violins
• 3-6 second violins
• 2-3 violas
• 1-2 cellos
• 1 bass
• Continuo (conductor)