Act I, Scene 1. A street by _Dr. Bartolo's_ house. _Count Almaviva_, a

Grandee of Spain, is desperately in love with _Rosina_, the ward of _Doctor Bartolo_. Accompanied by his servant Fiorello and a band of lutists, he serenades her with the smooth, flowing measures of "Ecco ridente in cielo," (Lo, smiling in the Eastern sky).

[Music: Ecco ridente in cielo,]

Just then _Figaro_, the barber, the general factotum and busybody of the town, dances in, singing the famous patter air, "Largo al factotum della città" (Room for the city's factotum).

[Music: Largo al factotum della città largo,]

He is _Dr. Bartolo's_ barber, and, learning from the _Count_ of his heart's desire, immediately plots with him to bring about his introduction to _Rosina_. There are two clever duets between _Figaro_ and the _Count_--one in which _Almaviva_ promises money to the _Barber_; the other in praise of love and pleasure.

_Rosina_ is strictly watched by her guardian, _Doctor Bartolo_, who himself plans to marry his ward, since she has both beauty and money. In this he is assisted by _Basilio_, a music-master. _Rosina_, however, returns the affection of the _Count_, and, in spite of the watchfulness of her guardian, she contrives to drop a letter from the balcony to _Almaviva_, who is still with _Figaro_ below, declaring her passion, and at the same time requesting to know her lover's name.