CARMEN at La Monnaie

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2. CARMEN

Carmen, a sizzling opera composed by Georges Bizet, is a timeless tale of love, jealousy, and fiery passion. Debuting at the Opéra-Comique in Paris in 1875, Carmen broke conventions with its raw portrayal of human emotions and its unconventional heroine.
The libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy was based on Prosper Mérimée's novella of the same name, captivating audiences with its dramatic story.

The opera centers on Carmen, a free-spirited gypsy who works in a cigarette factory. Her fiery personality and independent spirit clash with Don José, a naive soldier who becomes infatuated with her. Carmen's heart belongs elsewhere, to the glamorous bullfighter Escamillo. This love triangle fuels a passionate and destructive chain of events.

Bizet's music is a captivating blend of Spanish rhythms and French lyricism. The opera features iconic arias like Carmen's seductive "Habanera" and Escamillo's rousing "Toreador Song," both instantly recognizable even by non-opera aficionados.

Authors

• AnnMarie Milazzo
• Everett Quinton
• Georges Bizet
• Henry Hamilton
• John Ewbank
• Prosper Merimee
• Sarah Miles