Bizet finished the score at Bougival during the summer of 1874, and was pleased with the results: "I have written a work that is all clarity and vivacity, full of colour and melody".
Bizet finished the score at Bourgival during the summer of 1874, with rehearsals due to start in the autumn. He was pleased with his efforts: "I have written a work that is all clarity and vivacity, full of colour and melody".