Carmen

The four-act opera "Carmen" is a masterpiece by the famous French opera writer Bizet (1838-1875). It is known as "the greatest French opera in the 19th century" , (it) marked the birth of French realist opera." "Carmen" premiered in Paris in 1875. The play was adapted by Meirhak and Allévi based on Mérimée's novel of the same name.

It describes Carmen, a female cigarette factory worker, as a beautiful and strong-willed Gypsy girl, who falls in love with the guard sergeant Don Jose, and Don Jose also falls in love. When Carmen is detained for violating the law, José lets her escape. Later José joined Carmen and her smuggling friends in the mountains. But at this time, Carmen has already made an oath to the bullfighter Escamillo. This leads to a duel between José and Escamillo. During the duel, Carmen obviously protected the matador, which made Jose unbearable. Then the grand and enthusiastic bullfight scene began. Just as Carmen cheered for Escamilio's victory, Jose found her. The stubborn Carmen flatly rejected his love and eventually died under Jose's sword.

This is an opera known for its chorus. There are more than ten choruses of various genres. Among them, the chorus of female cigarette factory workers quarreling is lifelike and fascinating. The "Overture" at the beginning of the opera is a clear and brilliant orchestral piece that is well known to the world. Its main tone comes from the choral melody of the opera's final scene, which expresses the bustle and frenzy of a Spanish bullring. Interspersed with the melody of women and children jumping and singing and the majestic tone of the matador's song, the atmosphere is warm and vividly reflects the unrestrained and bold character of the Gypsies. It is an outstanding world-famous song.