Prelude to Act I (Entrance of the Toreadors), from Carmen (string trio – two violins and cello)

Title: Prelude to Act I (Entrance of the Toreadors) from the opera Carmen

Composer: Georges Bizet, arr. David Gable

Instrumentation: Two Violins and Cello

Printout: 4 pages

Note: In the opera Carmen this music is heard both as a prelude to Act I and in Act IV when the chorus of toreadors enters the scene. In both places it includes the refrain of Escamillo’s aria (aka the “Toreador Song”), but that section has been omitted here in favor of including the entire aria separately. The prelude’s lively march tempo and effervescent melody make it a popular number for festive occasions and even light concert use.

This selection is included in the Bargain Bundle Carmen, Selected Highlights for Two Violins and Cello, Set 1. Other instrumentations are also available.

A string trio arrangement of Entrance of the Toreadors for violin, viola and cello is also available. Click here.