Paris during the Bourbon Restoration "The Barber of Seville", by Gioachino Rossini, at the Théâtre-Italien in 1818, two years after its premiere in Rome. Rossini made modifications for the French audience, changing it from two to four acts and changing Rosina's part from a contralto to a soprano. This new version premiered at the Odeon Theater on 6 May 1824, with Rossini present, and remains today the version most used in opera houses around the world. At the beginning of the Restoration, the Paris Opera was located in the Salle Montansier on rue Richelieu, where the square Louvois is today. On 13 February 1820, the
Westbrook-Rossini, Zürich Live 1986 swinging, and joyful it is breathtaking. ... Live, it's even tougher to grasp because there is no safety net, no alternate takes or editing to round out the rough spots. It's all one can do to take it in and not roll about the floor with your hands over your head, tears streaming in such blessed out delight you will cause your loved ones unnecessary worry. You'll listen for decades and still not comprehend the wonder if it. Yes, it is that good". All compositions by Gioachino Rossini with additional material by Mike Westbrook Westbrook-Rossini, Zürich Live 1986 Westbrook-Rossini, Zürich