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Classical Fact

In 1782, Italian composer Giovanni Paisiello adapted the first play of a trilogy by French writer Beaumarchais, into an opera, Il barbiere di Siviglia, or The Barber of Seville. In 1815, Gioachino Rossini, by this time, a revered opera composer, had also adapted the story and was given Paisiello's permission to produce it in Rome. Both composers were drawn to Beaumarchais' subversive tale, which lampooned nobility by portraying them as spoiled, ignorant and easily duped by their wily servants. Rossini's opera was plagued by sloppy production, an utter lack of proper rehearsal and stage effects that simply did not work. To make matters worse, zealous Paisiello supporters sabotaged the premier with rowdy behavior. After some changes the opera was presented again and was a great success. As for the opera's famous overture, it was never intended for this opera at all. With opening night fast approaching, Rossini had no time to write an overture, so he used one he had written earlier.