Georges Bizet

The Profile

Georges Bizet (1838–1875) was a French Romantic composer best known for the opera Carmen, the L’Arlésienne suites, and the youthful Symphony in C. He died at 36, shortly after Carmen’s premiere.

Born 25 October 1838 in Paris; died 3 June 1875 in Bougival. French Romantic composer famed for Carmen and the L’Arlésienne suites; also wrote the Symphony in C.

A single, glowing review focuses on Bizet’s Carmen, praising the 1977 Deutsche Grammophon recording conducted by Claudio Abbado. The reviewer lauds Teresa Berganza’s nuanced Carmen, Domingo’s focused José, and Milnes’s virile Escamillo, alongside precise choral and orchestral work. It notes Carmen’s rocky premiere but towering performance history. The recording’s clarity and rhythmic drive are highlighted as a benchmark. The review concludes that Bizet’s music speaks powerfully even to opera skeptics.