Rossini had already composed 15 operas in just five years when he brought 'The Barber of Seville' to public attention. The libretto is based on a play by Caron de Beaumarchais - the very same Beaumarchais who encouraged Mozart to compose 'Le nozze di Figaro', the sequel of 'The Barber of Seville'. Notwithstanding the fiasco of the world premiere in Rome on 20 February 1816, 'The Barber of Seville' is Rossini's most popular and one of the most frequently played operas of the world today.Apart from the Italian libretto and the common German translation, this edition contains introductory commentaries of Kurt Pahlen who also adds information on the compositional structure and context to the musical as well as external and internal dramatic action of the opera. A short synopsis and a brief outline of the genesis bring the work into relation with the composer's entire oeuvre and life, thus offering a comprehensive, richly illustrated introduction.