Carmen - Verona Opera Festival

Author: Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy after the novella by Prosper Mérimée
Première: 3rd March 1875, Paris (Opéra Comique)

Carmen, Opera in 4 acts

Act I
The setting is in Spain, Seville. The military guard is on duty. Carmen, a gypsy woman working at the tobacco factory is admired by all men for her beauty. She provokes the cool soldier Don José who is confused by Carmen's impudent sexuality but has to arrest her because she has injured another worker in a quarrel. She tempts him with the prospect of becoming her next lover. He lets her escape and is himself arrested.

Act II
After a month in prison Don José has been let out. Carmen, grateful, waits for him refusing Escamillo, a famous matador who is fascinated by Carmen. She sings and dance for her liberator. They are surprised by Liutenant Zuniga who is on Carmen's trail. Don José decide to join the gang of smugglers who help him and Carmen to escape.

Act III
But Carmen soon gets tired of Don José. When Escamillo comes looking for her Don José gets into knife fight. Carmen steps between them and Escamillo invites her to the next bullfight in Seville.

Act IV
The bullfight is a great popular occasion and a triumph for Escamillo. Carmen has become his bride, enjoying the applause of the Arena. Don José waits for Carmen at the entrance of the ring. She courageously approaches him and throws at his feet the ring he once gave her, tries to go past him but runs into his knife.

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