Our part of the story takes place early in Act I. It is midday in a square in Seville, Spain. A company of soldiers wait outside a cigarette factory. The female workers come out for their midday break, smoking cigarettes--a pretty bold thing to do in the 1820s! But the men are waiting primarily for the most attractive of all the girls--Carmen. Carmen comes on stage, and sings the Habanera. The corporal Don José is the only soldier to show no interest in Carmen, so she tosses a flower to him. After that, he is under her spell.
The Toreador Song occurs in Act II, at the entrance of Escamillo, the toreador. He, too, is smitten by Carmen. From this point, Escamillo and Don José are rivals, with tragic results.
BMG's story of Carmen (includes sound clips)
New York City Opera's story of Carmen
New York City Opera's biography of Bizet
More info about Georges Bizet
Last updated: July 03, 2001 by Tony McQuilkin.
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For corrections, additions, suggestions, or comments, please Email me.
URL: http://www.oocities.org/Broadway/Balcony/9425/carmen.html