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Carmen Suite 2 Program Notes, Recordings and Sheet Music

Program Notes: Georges Bizet – Carmen Suite No. 2

Welcome, dear concert-goer, to a vibrant and passionate plunge into the world of one of opera's most enduring and beloved characters: Carmen! Tonight, we present Bizet's Carmen Suite No. 2, a collection of brilliant orchestral excerpts that capture the essence, drama, and unforgettable melodies of his iconic opera.

The Opera That Shocked Paris (And Conquered the World)

Georges Bizet's opera Carmen premiered in Paris in 1875, and its initial reception was, to put it mildly, mixed. The Parisian bourgeoisie, accustomed to more genteel and morally upright heroines, were scandalized by the opera's gritty realism, its depiction of working-class life, and especially its fiery, independent, and ultimately doomed gypsy protagonist, Carmen. Themes of seduction, desertion, and murder on stage were considered shockingly improper. One critic even sniffed that the music was "obscure and devoid of color."

Tragically, Bizet died just three months after the premiere, at the age of 36, believing his work was a failure. He never lived to see Carmen become one of the most performed and adored operas in the entire repertoire, a true global phenomenon.

From Stage to Concert Hall: The Suites

After Bizet's untimely death, his friend and fellow composer, Ernest Guiraud, recognizing the sheer genius of the music, compiled two orchestral suites from the opera. These suites allowed Bizet's magnificent melodies and colorful orchestration to be enjoyed in the concert hall, without the full operatic drama. Tonight's Suite No. 2, published in 1887, is

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