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Music:Georges Bizet.Lyrics: Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halevy after Prosper Merimée novel.
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First performance at Opera-Comique in Paris at the third of March 1875.
| Role | Voicetype |
|---|---|
| Carmen | mezzosoprano |
| Don José | tenor |
| Escamillo | baritone |
| Micaëla | soprano |
| Zuniga | bass |
| Moralès | baritone |
| Dancaîre | baritone |
| Remendado | tenor |
| Mercédès | mezzosoprano |
| Frasquita | soprano |
| Lillas Pastia | speaking part |
Outside a cigarrette factory a company of dragoons idly watches people passing by. Mercédès approaches and inquires after Corporal Don José. She is told by Moralès to return later. After the changing of the guards Lieutenant Zuniga asks Don José about his background. A bell signals the factory girls' break and that attracts the men nearby. The gypsy Carmen is the centre of attention. The only who does not seem to notice her is Don José which provokes Carmen. Mercédès returns and meets Don José. She hands him a letter from his mother begging him to return home and marry Mercédès. Suddenly there is a disturbance in the factory and Don José is ordered to find out what has happened. Carmen has wounded one of the other girls with a knife. She is apprehended and questioned by Zuniga, whom she taunts and mocks before he sends her to prison. She persuades Don José to let her escape. As a punishment Don José is demoted and arrested.
A month later Zuniga and Moralès are relaxing with Carmen and her friends Frasquita and Mercédès in Lillas Pastia´s tavern, where the girls work. Zuniga tries in vain to snatch a moment alone with Carmen. The famous bullfighter Escamillo and his retinue enter the inn. Escamillo too ,is drawn to Carmen, but she tells him her affections are for the moment elsewhere. The tavern is actually the headquarters of a band of smugglers. Now their leaders Dancaîre and Remendado appear. Together with Carmen, Frasquita and Mercédès, they lay plans for a deal that is to be concluded in Gibraltar. Carmen, who has been informed by Zuniga that Don José has been released from prison, refuses to accompany her comrades. Don José is welcomed by Carmen, but their encounter is all to soon interrupted by the sound of the bugle summoning the men to their quarters. As Don José prepares to leave, Carmen flies into a rage. Don José protests his love for her and is on the point of deserting for her sake when Zuniga forces his way into the room. A struggle ensues, and Don José, blinded by jealousy, tries to kill Zuniga, his commanding officer. The smugglers intervene, and for Don José there is now no turning back.
Some time therafter the smugglers are on their way to Gibraltar. The relationship between Carmen and Don Joséé has become strained. After the company has pitched camp, Frasquita and Mercédès begin telling their fortunes. The cards predict a bright future and they are delighted. The mood changes, however, when Carmen asks what fate lies in store for her. The cards speak unequivocally of her death. Dancaîre and Remendado assemble their men and all depart, leaving only Don José to guard the contraband they have left behind. Don José is thinking of Mercédès and his mother, whom he has betrayed, when someone approaches. It is Escamillo, who is looking for the woman he loves. When Don José realizes that this is Carmen, he loses control and attacks his rival. The fight is broken up by the returning smugglers. As Escamillo prepares to leave he senses that Carmen returns his love. Remendado discovers Micaëla who has hidden in the dark. She tries to persuade Don José to give up Carmen, bur he will not listen. Not until Micaëla tells him that his mother is dying does he agree to leave with her.
A crowd has assembled outside the arena to cheer Escamillo, who enters with Carmen. Although Frasquita and Mercedédès warn Carmen about Don José, whom they have seen among the crowd, she remains outside while the others enter the arena to watch the bullfight. Now, finally, she wants to make it clear to Don José that she no longer loves him. After a bitter encounter, Don José kills his beloved.
Translation: Nina Bassett The Royal Danish Opera Copenhagen, season 2001/2002
Adress:http://www.mogensoperasidor.se/carmenenglish.htm