Bizet: Carmen & L'arlésienne Suites

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Georges Bizet's most celebrated works with this exquisite collection of suites from his iconic operas, Carmen and L'Arlésienne. Released on October 13, 2017, by Naxos, this album offers a richly textured orchestral experience, brought to life by the Symphony Orchestra of Barcelona and Catalonia under the skilled direction of Pablo Gonzalez.

The album features the complete Carmen Suite No. 1 and Suite No. 2, arranged by Ernest Guiraud. These suites showcase some of the most recognizable and beloved melodies from Bizet's masterpiece, including the fiery "Aragonaise," the sultry "Habanera," and the triumphant "Chanson du toréador." Each piece is performed with aptly theatrical flair, capturing the drama and passion of the original opera.

In addition to the Carmen suites, this album also includes Bizet's own L'Arlésienne Suite No. 1, Op. 23bis, WD 40, and Suite No. 2, arranged by Guiraud. These suites, drawn from Bizet's incidental music for the play L'Arlésienne, are a testament to his compositional genius and feature a range of moods and styles, from the delicate "Pastorale" to the lively "Farandole."

With a total runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Bizet's orchestral works, offering both familiar favorites and lesser-known gems. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of opera, this album is sure to delight and inspire.