Listen to a sample
Opera Explained – The Barber of Seville
- Author
- Thomson Smillie
- Narrator
- David Timson
- Publisher
- Naxos AudioBooks
- Publish Date
- 1 June 2001
- Run Time
- 1 hour 18 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
- Genre
- Opera
What to expect
User Reviews
No reviews yet.
Details
- Author
- Thomson Smillie
- Narrator
- David Timson
- Duration
- 1 hour 18 minutes
- Release Date
- 1 June 2001
- ISBN
- 9781843793052
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Naxos AudioBooks
- Genre
- Opera
Synopsis
The Barber of Seville is Rossini’s most popular opera. Its effervescent overture (written originally for another work!) presents a perfect platform for the amusing plot in which the barber, Figaro, stage-manages a romance between Count Almaviva and Rosina, and puts to flight the old suitor, Dr Bartolo. ‘Largo al Factotum’ is one of the most popular arias in opera – nearly 200 years after its first performance it is still one of the great show-stoppers. But why was the opera received with boos and catcalls at its first performance in 1816, and why did Rossini return to the plot and environment presented so sublimely by Mozart? Opera writer Thomson Smillie and actor David Timson present the background in their informative but entertaining manner.
About xigxag
xigxag is an independent, UK-based audiobook platform and the UK's only B Corp certified audiobook company. We offer nearly 150,000 audiobooks, all with professional human narration. No AI-generated voices. xigxag is rated an Ethical Consumer Best Buy for audiobooks and a top-rated ethical bookshop.
There is no subscription. You buy the audiobooks you want, you own them permanently, and prices start at $13.95. The more you listen over the year, the less you pay per book, and there is always a selection in Listen for Less from $7.95. You can also send audiobooks as gifts using our audiobook gift cards or in-app gifting.
Every audiobook on xigxag has honest reviews covering both the book and the narration, and our community features make it easy to share what you are listening to, discover what others recommend, and find your next listen.
Download or stream on iOS, Android, or in your browser. Browse the full catalogue at xigxag.co.uk.