Carmen

Act I

From their posts at the guardroom opposite Seville’s tobacco factory, a squad of dragoons observe the passers-by. The country girl Micaëla asks to see a corporal, Don José, but is told he will not be back until the changing of the guard. When the bell rings for the cigar girls from the factory to take a break, all eyes are on the Gypsy Carmencita. She hums a sensual habanera and calls out to José, who seems impervious to her charms. When Micaëla joins the young man, however, he struggles to hide the turmoil that the beautiful cigar girl has aroused in his heart. Carmen is arrested following a brawl in the factory, and has no trouble getting the besotted corporal to facilitate her escape.

Act II

In Lillas Pastia’s tavern, Carmen sings a Gypsy song in the company of Frasquita and Mercédès, watched by several smugglers, including Dancaïre and Remendado. She tells them of her love for Don José, who has been locked up for letting her go free. The arrival of Escamillo, the star toreador, provides a diversion. Carmen is amused by the desire she rekindles in him. But Don José appears and is left alone with her. He takes offence at her mockery, then makes an unabashed declaration of love before pulling himself together again. When his superior Lieutenant Zuniga arrives, also with a view to making advances to Carmen, José draws his sabre. This altercation decides his fate: he will set out for the mountains, with the smugglers, to follow Carmen.

Act III

In the mountains, where goods are smuggled through the passes, Carmen tries to shake off the yoke that binds her to José. She reads the cards, which foretell death for both of them. José is standing sentry when Micaëla arrives unexpectedly, looking for him. Then Escamillo appears too, and José raises his navaja to confront him in a duel; Carmen’s sudden return saves the bullfighter from the fatal blow. Micaëla has come to summon José to his dying mother’s bedside. Racked with guilt, he leaves with her, though still threatening Carmen, as Escamillo’s voice echoes in the distance.

Act IV

In front of the Seville bullring, the crowd is excited. Escamillo appears on Carmen’s arm as the cuadrilla marches past. José is there too, observing the Gypsy. Ignoring Frasquita’s warnings to be careful, Carmen confronts him alone, with no illusions about the outcome of their encounter. She proclaims her unquenchable desire for freedom as José alternately pleads and threatens. Carmen proudly faces death. José stabs her, then gives himself up.

Content provided by the Palazzetto Bru Zane – Centre de musique romantique française.