The Barber of Seville
Giovanni Paisiello (1740-1816) was one of the most significant figures in Italian opera in the late eighteenth century, and his influence on Rossini, Bellini and Donizetti, and on the development of the bel canto style was profound. He enjoyed the patronage and employment of some of the most powerful political figures of the age. Most of his career was spent in Naples, where he established an early reputation for comic opera. In 1776 he was appointed maestro di capella at the imperial court of Catherine the Great at St Petersburg, where he also directed the court opera, composing numerous works, including a highly successful first operatic setting of Beaumarchais' The Barber of Seville. On his return to Naples in 1784 to take up a post at the court of Ferdinand IV, he travelled via Vienna where his Barber inspired Mozart and da Ponte to compose a sequel, The Marriage of Figaro. In Naples he rapidly became the most powerful and wealthiest figure in music, producing an extensive series of heroic operas as well as continuing the comedies for which he was most admired. He fell victim to the shifting fortunes of republicanism and imperialism in Naples, and between 1802 and 1804 worked unhappily in Paris for the First Consul of France, Napoleon Buonaparte. When Napoleon's brother, Joseph, usurped the Neapolitan throne in 1806, Paisiello was able to return to the highest duties in Naples. Ultimately, however, Ferdinand's return meant the loss of his post and pension.
Amongst his most popular and influential operas were L'idolo cinese (Naples, 1767), Il re Teodoro in Venezia (Vienna, 1784), La Molinara (Naples, 1788) and the Barber of Seville.
Press
the cheeky, the ingenious and the bizarre Opera, 15 July 2005
fast-moving, zestful and colourful Opera News, 15th July 2005
Comic romp takes a holiday by the sea The Times, 21 July 2005
Seville party in the charm of Bampton The Oxford Times 22 July 2005
combines fun and sentiment to perfection Manchester
Evening News 20
July 2005
