Cesare Sterbini

Cesare Sterbini (1784–1831) was an Italian librettist, poet, and scholar best known for writing the libretto to one of the most celebrated operas in history—Gioachino Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville). Born in Rome in 1784, Sterbini was a man of broad learning and refinement, fluent in multiple languages and deeply immersed in literature, philosophy, and classical studies. His erudition and wit made him an ideal figure for the operatic world of early 19th-century Italy.

Sterbini is most remembered for his collaboration with Rossini on The Barber of Seville (1816), adapted from the play by Pierre Beaumarchais. His libretto is widely praised for its vibrant humor, fast-paced action, and clever wordplay, all of which perfectly matched Rossini’s sparkling music. Despite a rocky premiere, the opera quickly gained popularity and remains one of the most frequently performed operas in the world. Sterbini’s text played a crucial role in capturing the playful yet satirical tone that defines the piece.

In addition to The Barber of Seville, Sterbini also wrote the libretto for Rossini’s earlier opera Torvaldo e Dorliska (1815), a more serious work. While this opera never achieved the same enduring fame, it further established Sterbini as a capable and skilled librettist. He also contributed poetry and translations and was involved in the cultural and intellectual circles of Rome during a time of great political and artistic transformation.

Sterbini held various positions in the Papal States’ administration, balancing his literary pursuits with a career in civil service. Despite not being as prolific as some of his contemporaries, his concise body of work—anchored by his masterful Barber libretto—has left an outsized legacy in the world of opera.

Cesare Sterbini died in 1831 in Rome. His work continues to live on through countless performances of The Barber of Seville, where his brilliant text, full of charm and character, continues to delight audiences more than two centuries after it was written.