Carmen Suite

The music of French composer, Georges Bizet, was largely panned during his lifetime. Carmen was no different, receiving scathing reviews after its premiere. On June 3, 1875, just three months later and after 33 performances of Carmen, Bizet died. At his funeral, the organist improvised a fantasy of the themes from Carmen. In his eulogy, the contemporary French composer, Charles Gounod, stated “Bizet had been struck down just as he was becoming recognized as a true artist.” Lewis Buckley transcribed Carmen Suite selecting movements from the two suites. (Source: Greg Depp, MetWinds)