The Dallas Opera 2021-2022 - The Barber of Seville/The Pearl Fishers

7 THE BARBER OF SEVILLE A persistent knock at the door is answered by Bartolo’s maid, Berta. It turns out to be a drunken soldier – actually Almaviva in disguise, demanding lodging privileges in the house. While creating general havoc, he manages to reveal his identity (that is, as “Lindoro”) to Rosina. When real soldiers arrive, Almaviva quietly makes clear to the sergeant exactly who he really is. The sergeant then shows such respect towards Almaviva that Bartolo is left utterly dumbfounded, as is the whole household. Intermission ACT TWO Bartolo gets another unexpected visitor. It is Almaviva once again, but he’s now masquerading as “Don Alonso,” a music teacher substituting for the ailing Basilio. He produces Rosina’s note to “Lindoro,” saying he found it at the inn where the Count is staying. Bartolo is pleased when “Don Alonso” offers to make Rosina believe the Count is deceiving her. When Rosina appears for her lesson, “Don Alonso” reveals his true identity to her. When the real Basilio arrives, Figaro is able to convince him that he has scarlet fever, and everyone sends him home to recover. Figaro then manages to find the key that will get him and Almaviva into the house later that night. While the barber attempts to distract Bartolo with a shave, Almaviva and Rosina make plans for their elopement. Bartolo suspects that they’re scheming behind his back and angrily orders “Don Alonso” out of the house. Berta takes a moment to complain about the craziness that love is causing in the household, while also wishing she could somehow find love herself. When shown the letter from “Lindoro,” Rosina, feeling betrayed, agrees to marry Bartolo. After a thunderstorm has subsided, the Count and the barber carefully make their way into the house. Rosina awakes, furious with the man she still knows only as “Lindoro,” but he now reveals to her that “Lindoro” and Count Almaviva are one and the same. The lovers and Figaro are finally ready to leave, but someone has removed their ladder! They attempt to sneak away, but run into Basilio with a notary, summoned at Bartolo’s request. Almaviva bribes Basilio with a ring and the Count and Rosina quickly sign a marriage contract. Bartolo arrives with soldiers, but it’s too late. He resigns himself to the situation, and all ends happily for Almaviva and Rosina. • PHOTO: CORY WEAVER/MINNESOTA OPERA