Prelude to Act I (Entrance of the Toreadors), from Carmen (violin viola duo)

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

Composer: Georges Bizet, arr. David Gable

Instrumentation: Violin and Viola

Printout: 3 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 also available in the Bargain Bundle Carmen, Selected Highlights for violin and viola, Set 1</a.