Max Derrickson

Georges Bizet (October 25, 1838 – June 3, 1875)

Toreador from Carmen (Suite No. 1)

Despite its less than enthusiastic premiere at the Opéra Comique in Paris, 1875, Bizet’s  Carmen has become what may be the most popular opera ever written.  In its time it seemed scandalous, what with its gypsies and prostitutes and murder in the sleazy underbelly of Seville [. . .] gradually encouraging the listener to get up and march alongside the cocky bullfighter, and proudly puff their chest.