27.10.10

"Habanera" From Carmen

George Bizet (1838 - 1875)


Carmen which is often referred to as an outstanding example of opera comique, is one of the universal favorites of the operatic stage. In setting Merimee's story to music, Bizet exploited to the fullest his talent for vivid musical characterization, brilliant orchestion, and dramatic used of "local color"

The well-known "Habanera" is sung by Carmen in the first act of the opera to the village men who implore her to tell when she will give them her heart. To a throbbing ehythm, Carmen rplies "L" amour est un oiseau rebelle", love is like a bird that will never be tamed. The "Habanera" ends with a defiant flourish as the men again beg Carmen to answer their pleas.

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