"Carmen" is like a bottle of wine... -- 2001-2002 Cultural Literacy Class Forum

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Date Posted: 16:22:32 10/19/01 Fri
Author: Laura Renavitz
Subject: "Carmen" is like a bottle of wine...

...it seems to have improved with time. At least this is what one might conclude given the reactions of the original and modern audiences of the opera.

The first group of people to see the opera in Paris during the 1860s abhored it so much that people actually were recorded as having thrown rotten vegetables and other garbage at the performers and the orchestra after performances. However, in modern times, it seems that everyone knows about it. Certain songs from it are recognizable to most, even if he/she cannot place it as belonging to "Carmen." And usually if a person can name and give a general plot to ONE opera, that opera is "Carmen."

But, since the plot and music never changed, what did? My only guess is that the original audience was looking for something longer because they didn't have as hectic lives as today and were probably brainwashed by Wagner opera, which are known to be about 4 hours apiece. (No kidding!) Or maybe Bizet, like Mozart, had a musical talent very much ahead of his time. (Then would that make Wagner Bizet's Salieri? LoL...sorry--just attempting to make a joke. In case you couldn't tell, I am not a particular fan of Wagner unless I am trying to fall asleep.)

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