American operatic tenor Lawrence Brownlee and the American baritenor (the opera singer who can sing both baritone and tenor arias) Michael Spyres sing “All’idea di quel metallo”, a famous duet from Gioachino Rossini’s 1816 comic opera “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” (The Barber of Seville).
Rossini’s All’idea di quel metallo
“All’idea di quel metallo” is a famous duet from Gioachino Rossini’s comic opera “Il barbiere di Siviglia” (The Barber of Seville). The opera, first premiered in 1816, is one of Rossini’s most celebrated works and remains a staple in the repertory of opera houses worldwide.
The duet “All’idea di quel metallo” takes place in Act 1 and involves the characters Figaro, the clever barber of Seville, and Count Almaviva, a nobleman in love with Rosina. In this scene, Almaviva enlists the help of Figaro to win Rosina’s heart and hand in marriage. The duet is lively and showcases Rossini’s talent for wit and musical inventiveness. It’s a delightful interplay between the two characters as they discuss their plan and the compensation Figaro expects for his services.
In the duet, Figaro, being an opportunist, is easily convinced to assist when the promise of gold (“metal”) is brought into the picture by Almaviva. The rhythm, melodies, and rapid-fire exchange between the characters make this duet a true highlight of the opera and a testament to Rossini’s genius.
Related: Lawrence Brownlee sings Ah! mes amis
All’idea di quel metallo lyrics (libretto/text)
Italian
FIGARO
All’idea di quel metallo
portentoso, onnipossente,
un vulcano la mia mente
incomincia a diventar.
CONTE
Su, vediam di quel metallo
qualche effetto sorprendente,
del vulcan della tua mente
qualche mostro singolar.
FIGARO
Voi dovreste travestirvi,
per esempio… da soldato.
CONTE
Da soldato?
FIGARO
Si, signore.
CONTE
Da soldato?… e che si fa?
FIGARO
Oggi arriva un reggimento.
CONTE
Sì, è mio amico il Colonnello.
FIGARO
Va benon.
CONTE
Eppoi?
FIGARO
Cospetto!
Dell’alloggio col biglietto
quella porta s’aprirà.
Che ne dite, mio signore?
Non vi par? Non l’ho trovata?
CONTE e FIGARO
Che invenzione prelibata!
Bravo, bravo,
in verità!
Bella, bella,
FIGARO
Piano, piano… un’altra idea!
Veda l’oro cosa fa.
Ubriaco… sì, ubriaco,
mio signor, si fingerà.
CONTE
Ubriaco?
FIGARO
Sì, signore.
CONTE
Ubriaco? Ma perché?.
FIGARO
Perché d’un ch’è poco in sé,
imitando moderatamente i moti d’un ubriaco
che dal vino casca già,
il tutor, credete a me,
il tutor si fiderà.
CONTE e FIGARO
Che invenzione
prelibata!
Bravo, bravo,
in verità!
Bella, bella,
CONTE
Dunque…
FIGARO
All’opra.
CONTE
Andiamo.
FIGARO
Da bravo.
CONTE
…Oh, il meglio mi scordavo!
Dimmi un po’, la tua bottega,
per trovarti, dove sta?
English translation
FIGARO
At the idea of this metal
portentous, omnipotent,
a volcano within me
commences to erupt, yes. etc.
COUNT
Come, let’s see what effect
this metal will have on you,
some real demonstration
of this volcano within you, yes. etc.
FIGARO
You should disguise yourself…
For instance… as a soldier…
COUNT
As a soldier?
FiGARO
Yes, sir.
COUNT
As a soldier, and for what purpose?
FIGARO
Today a regiment is expected here.
COUNT
Yes, the Colonel is a friend of mine.
FIGARO
Excellent!
COUNT
And then?
FIGARO
By means of a billet,
that door will soon open.
What say you to this, sir?
Don’t you think I’ve hit it right?
Isn’t it a fine idea,
happy thought, in very truth! etc.
COUNT
Isn’t it a fine idea,
happy thought, in very truth! etc.
FIGARO
Softly, softly… another thought!
See the power of your gold!
You must pretend to be drunk.
COUNT
Drunk?
FIGARO
Even so, sir.
COUNT
Drunk? But why?
FIGARO
Because the guardian, believe me,
the guardian would less distrust
a man not quite himself,
but overcome with wine.
BOTH
Isn’t it a fine idea,
happy thought, in very truth! etc.
COUNT
Well, then?
FIGARO
To business.
COUNT
Let’s go.
FIGARO
Bravo.
[They start to leave in opposite directions
The Count calls Figaro back]
COUNT
Farewell! But the most important thing
I forgot to ask: tell me,
where do I find your shop?
Sources
- The Barber of Seville on Wikipedia
- All’idea di quel metallo portentoso on the Operas Arias website
