Although <em>Carmen</em> is today one of the world’s most popular operas, it opened at the Paris Comic Opera on March 3, 1875, to a mixed reception, much to the disappointment of its composer, Georges Bizet (1838-75). Bizet was one of the leaders of a new generation of French composers, and <em>Carmen </em>was the pinnacle of his career. The libretto, adapted from Prosper Mérimée’s short story by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, seemed scandalous to many who attended the opera. Célestine Galli-Marié (1840-1906), who played the role of Carmen, put on a racy performance that seduced some but outraged others in the audience. Bizet, who reportedly composed the tune to “Love is a Rebellious Bird” with the rhythm of the habanera and the image of Carmen’s hips (as described by Mérimée) in mind, vigorously defended the role and Galli-Marié’s performance.
<br>Musical scores; Operas
Bizet, Georges (1838-1875)
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