Composer

:

Georges Bizet

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1873 - 1874

Average_duration

:

141:40

Movement_count

:

39

Movement ....

Carmen is an opera composed by Georges Bizet, with a libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy. The opera was composed between 1873 and 1874, and premiered on March 3, 1875, at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, France. The opera is set in Seville, Spain, and tells the story of the passionate and free-spirited Carmen, a gypsy woman who works in a cigarette factory. The plot of Carmen revolves around the love triangle between Carmen, the soldier Don José, and the toreador Escamillo. Don José falls in love with Carmen after she seduces him, but their relationship is tumultuous and ultimately ends in tragedy. Carmen is unfaithful to Don José, and he becomes increasingly jealous and possessive. In the final act, Don José kills Carmen in a fit of rage. Carmen is known for its memorable melodies and colorful orchestration. The opera features several famous arias, including the Habanera, the Toreador Song, and the Seguidilla. The music is influenced by Spanish folk music, and features castanets, tambourines, and other percussion instruments. The premiere of Carmen was not initially well-received, and Bizet died just three months later, before the opera became a success. However, Carmen went on to become one of the most popular operas of all time, and has been performed countless times around the world. Carmen is divided into four acts, each with its own distinct musical style and mood. The first act introduces the characters and sets the stage for the drama to come. The second act features Carmen's seduction of Don José, and the famous Habanera. The third act takes place in a smugglers' den, and features the duet between Carmen and Escamillo, as well as the Toreador Song. The final act is the most dramatic, as Don José confronts Carmen and ultimately kills her. Overall, Carmen is a powerful and emotional opera that explores themes of love, jealousy, and passion. Its memorable music and tragic story have made it a beloved classic of the operatic repertoire.

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