The phrase signifies “Make way for the factotum!” A factotum is an individual who performs a wide range of tasks or duties for someone else. This declaration is most famously associated with the aria “Largo al factotum della citt” from Gioachino Rossini’s opera The Barber of Seville. The aria, sung by the character Figaro, serves as his introduction and emphasizes his importance and ubiquity within the city.
Understanding the precise meaning of this expression is crucial for appreciating the humor and characterization within the opera. It highlights the barber’s self-importance and the numerous roles he plays in the lives of the townspeople. The historical context reveals a time when skilled individuals like barbers often served in multiple capacities, making such a proclamation both boastful and potentially accurate.
