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Georges Bizet's opera "Carmen" is one of the most famous and enduring works in the world of opera. Here are some interesting facts about Georges Bizet and his opera "Carmen":

1. Late Recognition: "Carmen" was not an immediate success when it premiered in 1875. Bizet faced criticism from both the audience and critics, and he passed away just three months after the premiere, not living to see the opera's eventual popularity.

2. Set in Spain, Written in French: Despite being set in Spain, "Carmen" was originally written in French. Bizet, a French composer, collaborated with librettists Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy to adapt Prosper Mérimée's novella "Carmen" into an opera.

3. Opera Comique: "Carmen" is classified as an opera comique, a genre that typically includes spoken dialogue in addition to sung arias and ensembles. This was a departure from the traditional grand opera style.

4. Scandalous Subject Matter: The opera's subject matter was considered scandalous for its time. It centers around a love triangle involving a soldier, Don José, a seductive gypsy, Carmen, and a bullfighter, Escamillo. The passionate and often violent themes challenged social norms.

5. Memorable Aria: The Habanera, "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle" (Love is a rebellious bird), is one of the most famous arias in the opera. It's sung by Carmen in Act 1 and is instantly recognizable.

6. Impressionist Influence: Georges Bizet was ahead of his time in some ways. He incorporated elements of what would later be called Impressionism in his score. His use of orchestration and exotic harmonies added depth and color to the music.

7. Posthumous Success: "Carmen" gained popularity and acclaim after Bizet's death. It went on to become one of the most performed and beloved operas in the world, a testament to Bizet's genius.

8. Adaptations and Influences: "Carmen" has inspired countless adaptations in various art forms, including ballets, films, and other operas. The music has also been used in popular culture, making it instantly recognizable even to those who may not be opera enthusiasts.

9. Lengthy Performance: A typical performance of "Carmen" lasts around three hours, making it one of the longer operas in the repertoire. It's known for its four acts and features a variety of memorable musical moments throughout.

10. Opera's Impact on Spain: "Carmen" has had a significant cultural impact on Spain, even though it's not originally a Spanish work. It helped popularize Spanish themes and music in the operatic world, and it remains associated with Spain in the public imagination.

"Carmen" continues to captivate audiences with its passionate characters, memorable music, and dramatic storytelling, cementing its place as one of the most important operas in the history of classical music.