Habanera

Habanera from Carmen composed by Georges Bizet (1838-1875)
Arranged and edited by Ervin Monroe for Flute and Piano
Includes score and parts

This songs/dance form originates in Cuba and got its name from Havana, Cuba's capital.  The Habanera supposedly was derived from Creole or Afro-Cuban tunes called tonones, but probably had some Iberian influence in its development.  The dance definitely shows some stylistic qualities found in Spanish flamenco. Many French and Spanish composers have been attracted to the Habanera rhythms and this famous Habanera from Bizet's Carmen is but one of the many examples of Habaneras written by well known composers.  I have taken the liberty to embellish this fine piece in a “flute-flamenco” style.