Resource Center: Opera 24/7
La Tragédie de Carmen
Readings
- An interesting read which outlines Peter Brook’s ideas on theater in general, including opera, which lends light on his adaptation of Bizet’s Carmen.
- The Cambridge guide to the original opera provides some interesting insights into the work, in particular the role of Carmen in the opera.
- Read the story that inspired the opera.
Recordings/DVDs
- : by Georges Bizet, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti, Tatiana Troyanos, Plácido Domingo, José van Dam, Kiri Te Kanawa (CD – 1990). Audio recording of original version of Carmen.
- : Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, Olga James, and Pearl Bailey (DVD - 1954)
Many adaptations of Carmen exist – over 70 films including the more recent Hip hopera version starring Beyonce Knowles. However, this 1954 adaptation of Carmen remains true to the core arias like La tragedie de Carmen, and uses Bizet’s music. New lyrics provided by Oscar Hammerstein II are performed by a star studded African-American cast.
- (DVD - 1983)
Renowned Spanish filmmaker Carlos Saura teams with legendary choreographer-dancer Antonio Gades to explore the glamour, poetry and fire of flamenco dancing in a retelling of the story of Carmen. A choreographer (Gades) becomes insanely jealous after he gets romantically involved with the star (Laura del Sol) of his current production, Bizet's opera Carmen. As rehearsals progress, so does the intensity of their affair.
Resources
- A collaboration between Columbia University and the New York City Opera Project providing an overview of the original opera Carmen and composer Bizet.
- An article focusing on Peter Brook, who adapted Bizet’s Carmen and directed the first performances of the work.
