Carmen-Suite

Carmen-Suite by Georges Bizet
Arranged for two flutes by Kurt Walther
Published by Zimmermann
Includes score and parts

1. Introduction
The Opera begins with the lively processional march of the toreadors in A major; the trio offers the melody in F major, known the world over, which is Escamillo's effective introduction in Act 2. “Toreador, en garde”. 

II. Changing of the guard, March of the street urchins (Act. 1, No. 3)
A joyful fanfare, at first from the distance, then closer, introduces the military ceremony. Accompanied by the sound of two piccolos, the fresh guardsmen approach in marching formation. They are followed by the gaily singing boys with a “charming, childlike melody which, at the same time, imitates the genuine military marches”

III. Chorus of the working girls from the cigaret factory (Act. 1, from No. 4)
The young girls stepping out of the factory onto the square during their work break while smoking their cigarettes, compare in their delicately floating song the evaporating smoke with the inconstancy of men.

IV. Song of the “dragoons of Alcala” (from the prelude to Act 2)
With this melody Don Jose later on in Act 2 announces his arrival at the smugglers' tavern. He plans to see Carmen again there, after having spent two months behind bars because of her.

V. Gypsy dance and song in the tavern of Lillas Pastia (Act 2, from No. 12)
The two flutes open the dance in the rather shady inn. Carmen who is joined by her companions Frasquita and Mercedes during the refrain, sings of the beauty and the sensuous charm of the young gypsy girl. Her song grows more and more violent and ends with a frenzied whirl. 

VI. Carmen's dance before Don Jose (Act 2, from No. 17)
The provocative dance which leads the sergeant more and more into his commitment to the dance, is accompanied by the castagnets. 

VII. Duet Escamillo/Carmen before the bullfight (Act. 4, from No. 26)
Amidst the festive excitement of the expectant crowd pushing into the arena, there occurs a brief lyrical oasis: the toreador and the gypsy declare their love to each other.