Premiere of the Opera: March 3, 1875, Opéra-Comique, Paris
The overture to Carmen captures the passionate and dramatic atmosphere of the opera. It opens with bold brass motifs and powerful rhythms, introducing the opera’s central theme. The music shifts between spirited and lyrical passages, using Spanish dance rhythms to emphasize the exotic setting of Seville. This overture immediately draws the listener into Carmen’s world, filled with tension and passion.