Il barbiere di Siviglia

Info

Live from the Metropolitan Opera, this wonderful recording features Frederica von Stade as Rosina, Stanford Olsen as Lindoro, Thomas Hampson as Figaro and Samuel Ramey as Bartolo.

Critical acclaim:

“First, of course, there was Thomas Hampson’s Figaro. This was a barber with all the physical and vocal energy one could wish for. He tossed objects into the air and casually caught them as easily as flourishes and ornaments leaped out of his melodic lines. His facial muggings, his knowing winks and affectionate embraces were also like the voice — just exaggerated enough to be comic. But the gestures were also natural, his phrasing and pitch sure. Mr. Hampson, as his career justifiably grows, has preserved an unmannered charm well suited to the role.”

The New York Times