Francisco Asenjo Barbieri (3 August 1823 – 19 February 1894[1]) was a well-known composer of the popular Spanish opera form, zarzuela.

Asenjo Barbieri was born and died in Madrid, appropriately, since the themes and characters of his operas are often distinctly Spanish and Madrilenian.

Among the characters featured by Barbieri are bullfighters, manolos and manolas, and even (in Pan y toros) the famous Spanish painter, Francisco Goya.

The character of much of Asenjo Barbieri's work is farcical, utilizing mistaken identity and other devices to entertain the audience.

The zarzuelas El barberillo de Lavapiés and Pan y toros both contain plots to overthrow the government.