Shot on location in Italy, this fascinating documentary tells the story of the greatest Italian opera composer of his day, author of the most popular of all comic operas, the Barber of Seville, a wealthy, successful, prolific composer, who, at the age of 37, suddenly gave up writing for the stage. This program traces his life, set against the backdrop of the historical events taking place in Italy and through extensive performance excerpts from all his best-known operas as well as less famous works.