The Most Talented Barbers In The World

[HiDesertHal]

The Italian barbers of 200 years ago were adept at many skills beside barbering.

Listen to the Aria "Largo al Factotum" from Rossini's "The Barber of Seville". (Select the version with English subtitles)

In this Aria, Figaro the Barber brags about being the Factotum (Handyman) of Seville, listing his talents beside Barbering as Tooth Extracting, Bloodletting, Delivering Babies, Designing and Repairing Wigs and Toupees, Selling Gold and Silver items, Writing Notes and Letters for people who can't read or write, and many other deeds.

"Largo al Factotum" is the fastest, most energetic, and happiest moment in all Grand Opera, in my opinion!

HiDesertHal

 

[Toomuchstuff]

Isn't that why barber poles must have the red stripe , for the Bloodletting part of their occupation ?

 

[HiDesertHal]

Isn't that why barber poles must have the red stripe , for the Bloodletting part of their occupation ?

It could be, Toomuchstuff...

HDH..... Do I have too much stuff?

 

[Lara]

Excellent, Hal. I thought I'd help out and post it for you since you once said you didn't know how to post videos. Here's how:

Surf the INTERNET for your video:
1. GOOGLE what you want > Click on VIDEO and PLAY
2. While the video is in play (not in the forum yet), HIGHLIGHT the web address above in the address bar
3. Go to the top left of your screen where it says EDIT > Click and you will see a drop down Menu
4. Click on COPY > Come back to post it in the Forum

IN the Forum:
1. Where you Post your REPLY in Forum, click on the the little FILMSTRIP ICON way to the right of the happy face
2. A Pop-Up will appear that says "Insert Video" > Go back up to the top left of your screen and Click on EDIT
3. Click on PASTE and it will paste the link into the Edit drop down Menu
4. Once you've pasted it into the Pop-Up box, Click on OK
5. At anytime, if you want to see a larger version of what you're doing, click on GO ADVANCED in the bottom right corner of your Reply box.

 

[HiDesertHal]

Dear Lara,

I Really, Really, Really appreciate the research you went through to find and post a performance of "Largo al Factotum" with English translation from the Italian.

I've tried using the instructions you painstakingly posted to aid me in learning to post Videos of YouTube performances, but due to my worsening Alzheimers condition, I find it difficult, even impossible, in recalling the steps required for success. I just can't follow them!

What I would really like from you as a Birthday Present for my 81st Birthday on Tuesday, July 11, is your posting of the video of Operatic Baritone
John Rawnsley in his "theatrical" performance of "Largo al Factotum" from the opera "The Barber of Seville".

This would not only make me very happy, but might also give those Seniors who "hate opera" a second opinion!

Cheers, and Thank You again,

HiDesertHal

 

[Lara]

Ok, my pleasure, but this will be a true test of MY memory to remember it on July 11.

 

[HiDesertHal]

Ok, my pleasure, but this will be a true test of MY memory to remember it on July 11.

Aaaahhh, that's OK if you don't remember the date, Lara...it will be appreciated anyway!

You had an updated Avatar in one of your posts...I really liked it! Could you re-install it?

Thanks,
HiDesertHal

 

[Lara]

Happy Birthday, Hal!
(I posted this here on the topic of Talented Barbers from "The Barber of Seville"
but also posted a separate Birthday thread where they usually go)