The Barber of Seville

The action is set in Seville, in the eighteenth century

ACT I
(two scenes: a street in front of Bartolo's house, then inside the house).

Almaviva sings a serenade under the windows of Rosina; Figaro the barber offers himself to facilitate his projects. Rosina leans out of the balcony and drops a music scroll containing a note.
Bartolo, wary, considereds prudent not to waste time and runs inside Basilio's home, in charge of preparing everything for his wedding.
However, the Count and Figaro are intending to enter Bartolo house thanks to a stratagem. Rosina writes a letter to Almaviva, which Figaro intercepts. Basilio arrives and, after informing Bartolo of the Count's presence in Seville, suggests that some slander will divert the importunate. Then Bartolo interrogates his pupil, who deftly pretends; Almaviva appears, disguised as a soldier: he is drunk and puts to the test his tutor's patience (the act ends with a sextet and finale: one of the most demonized and renowned the lyric theatre).

SECOND ACT
(two scenes: Bartolo's house).

Now, Almaviva presents himself dressed as a singing teacher: as soon as she recognizes her "professor", Rosina accepts to showcase her vocal virtuosity (here, the "singing lesson" usually has a bright fragment that replaces the original aria "Contro un cor").
But Basilio, when everyone believed him sick, unexpectedly appears: Almaviva gives him a bag Basilio consent to lay down again. However, Bartolo unmasks the Count and throws them all out.
The next night a storm brakes down which Figaro and Almaviva take advantage off to slip through a window; meanwhile, Bartolo sends for a notary ...
When the Count comes in, Rosina, deceived by her tutor presents overwhelms him with reproaches: but soon Almaviva reveals his identity and when Basilio arrives with the notary, the young ones immediately marry. As soon as Bartolo learns that Almaviva cedes him Rosina's dowry, he complies with philosophy.