March of the Toreadors (Carmen Overture)

Carmen
March from Carmen

Musika postcard
To be played on all Grammophones

unused - click the Record tag on the right to see my other postcards that are actual records

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Carmen is a French opéra comique by Georges Bizet (25 October 1838 – 3 June 1875)

The opera premiered at the Opéra-Comique of Paris on 3 March 1875, but its opening run was denounced by the majority of critics. It was almost withdrawn after its fourth or fifth performance, and although this was avoided, ultimately having 48 performances in its first run, it did little to bolster sagging receipts at the Opéra-Comique. Near the end of this run, the theatre was giving tickets away in order to stimulate attendance. Bizet died of a heart attack, aged 36, on 3 June 1875, never knowing how popular Carmen would become.

In October 1875 it was produced in Vienna, to critical and popular success, which began its path to worldwide popularity. It was not staged again at the Opéra Comique until 1883.

The story is set in Seville, Spain, around 1820, and concerns Carmen, a beautiful Gypsy with a fiery temper. Free with her love, she woos the corporal Don José, an inexperienced soldier. Their relationship leads to his rejection of his former love, mutiny against his superior, and joining a gang of smugglers. His jealousy when she turns from him to the bullfighter Escamillo leads him to murder Carmen.


here is a youtube link to hear what is on this record (there is no picture, just great music) ....