• From Spain to Springfield: The Music of The Barber of Seville

    By COC Staff



    Italian composer Gioachino Rossini sure knew how to write a catchy tune, which is perhaps most evident in The Barber of Seville. This all-time favourite opera is chock-full of memorable melodies – from the spritely overture, to Figaro’s tongue-twisting “Largo al factotum,” to Rosina’s feisty “Una voce poco fa.”

    Even if you’ve never seen the opera – or don’t recognize those aria names – if you heard those pieces today, you might find yourself wondering, “Where have I heard that before?” So let’s take a look at just a few of the countless cartoons, TV shows, movies and more that have helped solidify Barber as one of the world’s most popular operas.

    Bugs Bunny introduced many of us not just to The Barber of Seville, but to opera in general with the iconic cartoon, The Rabbit of Seville.






    His pal Michigan J. Frog did his best Figaro impression in One Froggy Evening.






    Seems like every classic cartoon character took a stab at Figaro’s aria, including Tom and Jerry.






    The multi-talented Robin Williams famously played on this cartoon trope in the opening scene of Mrs. Doubtfire.






    Even everyone’s favourite Springfield resident, Homer Simpson, surprised us by taking a break from Duff and donuts to make his debut as Count Almaviva in “The Homer of Seville.”







    Beyond cartoons, the music is also featured in the Seinfeld episode with Jerry’s infamous new haircut.







    It’s even been played on a rubber chicken.





    And finally, we can't even begin to describe this version. You'll just have to watch!







    Find out why everyone’s singing along to The Barber of Seville when it returns to the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts from January 19 – February 7, 2019.

    Posted in 19/20

SIGN UP FOR EMAIL NEWSLETTERS

Phone: 416-363-8231

Toll Free: 1-800-250-4653

Contact Page

Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube