Selections From Carmen (Habanera, Intermezzo, Les Toreadors)

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — Carmen, by French composer Georges Bizet, is one of the world's most popular operas. Set in Spain, the music reflects a tragic story of jealousy combined with the colorful lives of gypsies and bullfighters.Habanera. Bizet, who had never been to Spain, found his inspiration in books of Spanish music. In fact,xa0Habanera is actually based on a song by Spanish composer Sebastian Yradler. Its familiar repeated bass line supports a lovely playful melody.Intermezzo is the interlude music to Act III, which opens in a gypsy camp. This beautiful melody, introduced by solo violin, weaves in and out of the various sections of the orchestra.Les Toreadors accompanies one of the most exciting scenes in all opera. A crowd gathers outside the bullring and sings this salute to the toreador, Escamillo. This energetic theme utilizes the full dynamic range of the orchestra. Three well-known selections from Bizet's immortal opera Carmen, have been turned into a delightful suite for strings that is perfect concert fare for the advancing ensemble. The Habanera, Entr'acte (Intermezzo) (featuring a violin solo) and the March of the Toreadors are included and the work will be a fine introduction to the music of a great opera composer. Duration: 5'30"