Strong-willed, fiery, and tempestuous—the character of Carmen has captivated the world’s imagination for more than a century and a half. The beautiful gypsy first came to life in Prosper Mérimée’s 1845 novella and became immortal through Bizet’s opera 30 years later. The composer, though, didn’t live to see his opera triumph around the world. He died just three months after its Paris premiere, which was not a success, due mostly to the unexpectedly realistic and sensual story that came as a shock to 19th-century audiences. The Met first presented Carmen in its inaugural 1883–84 season, when it was already an international hit, and has since performed it nearly a thousand times.
Emma Calvé as Carmen, 1893
Falk / Metropolitan Opera Archives
Like the previous volumes of the Metropolitan Opera Presents series, this book is designed to give you an in-depth introduction to Bizet’s immortal creation. In addition to the complete libretto in French and English, you will find a synopsis, a detailed program note with historical background, and the “In Focus” feature we provide in the Met’s house program every night—a brief summary of key aspects of the opera. We’ve also included many archival photos of some of the greatest stars who have appeared at the Met in 130 years of Carmen history. Whether you watch the opera in the theater or as part of our Live in HD movie-theater transmissions, or listen to a radio broadcast or web stream, we hope this book will give you all the information you need to enjoy and appreciate Carmen’s many riches.
To learn more about Met productions, Live in HD movie-theater transmissions, Met membership, and more, visit metopera.org.
Italo Campanini as Don José, 1884
Mora / Metropolitan Opera Archives