OK...first some history: in 1873, Camille du Locle, the artistic director of the Comique commissioned Bizet to write an opera based on a Mérimée's novel. Today, it is one of the world's most popular operas.
Galli Marie - the original Carmen
For anyone unfamiliar with the story, it is set in Seville, Spain in the 1830s. Carmen is a beautiful gypsy with a fiery temper. She woos the corporal Don José, an inexperienced soldier. Their relationship leads to his rejection of his former love, mutiny against his superior, turn to a criminal life, and ultimately, out of jealousy, murder. Although he is briefly happy with Carmen, he falls into madness when she turns from him to the bullfighter Escamillo. If you know opera- you know how it ends- as always, she dies.
Today, Carmen is the fourth most performed opera in North America. Several well-known pieces include the Prélude (overture), the Toreador Song, and the Habanera. Seriously- you know them- you just dont think you do.
The Metropolitan Opera House is really beautiful
David, myself, Dov and Fran during intermission
we had a fun and yummy dinner at Cafe Fiorello before the show
It was a fantastic night and we look forward to seeing what performances we will get to see next season.
Prelude:
Habanera:
