Born October 25, 1838; Paris, France
Died June 3, 1875; Bougival, France
Carmen Suite No. 1

COMPOSED

1874; 36 years old

Georges Bizet, a prominent figure of the Romantic era, left an indelible mark on classical music, particularly through his operatic compositions. Despite facing initial challenges in his career, Bizet’s brilliance blossomed with the timeless opera “Carmen,” now a cornerstone of the opera repertoire. Born in 1838, Bizet’s early successes at the Conservatoire de Paris, including winning the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1857, foreshadowed a promising career.

Bizet’s path was fraught with obstacles, as Parisian opera houses favored established classical works over new compositions. Despite setbacks, he persevered, producing notable operas like “Les pêcheurs de perles” and “La jolie fille de Perth.” However, true recognition eluded him until the posthumous acclaim of “Carmen,” a masterpiece exploring themes of betrayal and murder. Unfortunately, Bizet did not live to witness the opera’s triumph, as he passed away in 1875, three months after its premiere. His enduring legacy as a composer of brilliance and originality began to emerge in the 20th century, challenging the neglect that had shrouded his works and solidifying his place in the annals of French musical theatre.