A French Fantasy of SpainĬarmen isn’t Spanish. It reappears when Carmen first tosses her flower at Don José, and forever after chronicles how Don José’s fate becomes entangled with that of his femme fatale. This sexy, dangerous melody first appears to interrupt the bustling good humor of the overture. This technique is often used to inject unease or suspense into the music. Music of Sex and DeathĬarmen features a wonderful idée fixe or musical “obsession,” a deadly melody that snakes its way downwards using chromatic notes. Who can’t hum the slinky descending melody of Carmen’s “Habanera” or the familiar, strutting march of Escamillo’s “Toreador Song?” Audiences revel in the seductive strains of Carmen’s “Seguidilla,” in the wild dance at Lillas Pastia’s, the fervent prayers of Micaëla, and the deeply felt romantic music of Don José. Listen For The Catchiest Tunes Ever Written She takes a flower from her hair and tosses it at José before heading back to her job rolling cigarettes in a factory. But she has eyes only for Don José, who’s on guard duty nearby-and who’s trying desperately not to notice her. If you don’t love me, I love you: and if I love you, watch out!” says Carmen to an admiring crowd who is hanging on her every word. “Love is a bohemian child, a wild bird that knows no law. Originally, Seville and some nearby mountains in the mid-nineteenth century. Lillas Pastia runs a disreputable tavern on the outskirts of the city. Moralès, a soldier, finds Micaëla attractive. Zuniga is the captain of the guard and José’s commanding officer. Remendado and Dancaïre are Carmen’s smuggler friends. Micaëla is a sweet girl from José’s hometown.įrasquita and Mercédès are Carmen’s flirtatious friends. Don José, a soldier, has anger management issues.Įscamillo is the bullfighter who lures Carmen away from José.

Carmen seattle opera