The play of the Barber of Seville and the opera are essentially the same. However, the differences between the two lie in the direction. The opera, due to its musical nature, is much more bold in characters and more animated. The video of Figaro’s entrance made me feel like Figaro was a much bolder character than in the play. In the play Figaro felt more like a whimsical jester, while the opera makes him feel like a more pronounced, witty man. In addition, some of the most obvious changes are the introduction of some characters in different scenes. Berta was not in some of the scenes in the play. Also, Fiorello was not seen in the play version.

Along with the introduction of Fiorello in the beginning, the whole scene in the beginning was different form the play. The Count had his own band playing music in the square, and it made him seem much more courageous in his actions (in the beginning). In the play, he seemed less direct in the opening scene. Also, the Count’s behavior is different in other parts. During the ending scene, the Count pulled a pistol on Bazile to convince him to sign. This was actually alarming to me because in the play he was more refined by giving Bazile a purse of money.

The last difference I noticed was the ending. The opera ending felt more like it was summarizing the love between Rosine and the Countm, while the play had a more witty and funny end by ending it with Figaro saying that what happened was a “Futile Precaution”