(Amadeus). A riveting story of fatal attraction between a beguiling; strong-willed gypsy and a naive but passionate soldier who falls under her spell; Georges Bizets Carmen pulses with seduction; obsession; and deadly betrayal. It was reviled at its Paris premiere; where its realism and perceived amorality proved shocking; but it became one of the most popular and highly regarded operas of all time. Arguably the greatest musical product of Frances enduring fascination with Spain; Carmen features many numbers that are now almost universally familiar; including the seductive Habanera and the boastful but infectious Toreador Song. Don Jose is an idealistic young corporal in 1820s Seville when he encounters the gypsy Carmen; who is irresistible to all men seemingly except Jose; who loves the innocent country girl Micaela. But soon enough Carmen works her wiles on him to escape imprisonment; and a later twist of ever-looming fate forces him to completely abandon the world he knows and follow Carmen into a life of crime. When the bullfighter Escamillo wins Carmens affections; Don Joses explosive jealousy clashes with Carmens resolve to remain true to herself; leading to one of operas fiercest confrontations and most unforgettable conclusions.
#367283 in eBooks 2014-10-09 2014-10-09File Name: B00OFI6I86
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating worldwide view of folk musicBy Thomas SimmonsThis is a somewhat quirky but brilliant member of the great Oxford "Short Introduction" series. It focuses on worldwide conceptions of "folk music;" which is fascinating but not entirely helpful if youre trying to understand the weird evolution of "folk music" in this country (a much better introduction to that subject is Benjamin Filenes *Romancing the Folk*). But this is still a fascinating book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. InformativeBy Cindy BursteinSomewhat dry and textbook like but very informative. Not your 60s protest music info but good across the board information in a historical international context.Would have given five stars but most of the links wouldnt work.
