Prelude to Act I (Entrance of the Toreadors), from Carmen (string quartet)

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

Composer: Georges Bizet, arr. David Gable

Instrumentation: Violin 1; Violin 2; Viola; Cello

Printout: 5 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. The prelude’s lively march tempo and effervescent melody make it a popular number for festive occasions and even light concert use.

Other string quartet arrangements of selections from Carmen are available:

Aragonaise

Choeur des Gamins (Chorus of the Street Children)

Habañera

Intermezzo

Les Dragons d’Alcala

Marche des Contrebandiers (March of the Smugglers)

Séguedille

The Toreador’s Song

Tra-la-la Coupe-moi, brûle-moi