Overture, Il barbiere di Siviglia

Gioachino Rossini, Overture, Il barbiere di Siviglia (allegro vivace section)
Chris Reynolds, piano

Rossini had already scored successes with other works by 1813, when Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)—a failure at its premiere, but triumphant thereafter—transformed him into a superstar among composers. The joys of this piece delighted every audience, who thrilled not only to the vocal highlights but also to the opera's uniquely exhilarating overture. Most of the overture is marked allegro vivace. The special feature of the second half is the celebrated "Rossini crescendo," in which the same sequence is played and then repeated twice, with an exciting increase in volume and animation as it proceeds. The overture ends with a similarly exciting coda that sets the tone for an opera full of humor and dazzling high spirits. Maestro Mazzola made this special arrangement featuring all of the Ryan Opera Center artists—and a cameo appearance by the Maestro, too!

Meet the artists

*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

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About the Ryan Opera Center

About the Ryan Opera Center

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is Lyric's preeminent artist-development program that nurtures the talents of some of the most promising operatic singers and pianists of each generation. The program's Ensemble members earn their coveted spot by successfully auditioning among more than 400 artists worldwide. Its alumni are among the dominant names in opera today. Donor generosity ensures continued unparalleled training, performance experience, and professional readiness of Ensemble members. This highly competitive program, established in 1974, is honored to enjoy the support of acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming as Advisor, along with full-time staff Director Dan Novak, Music Director Craig Terry, and Director of Vocal Studies Julia Faulkner.

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Photos: Kyle Flubacker