The Toreador’s Song, from Carmen (string trio – violin, viola and cello)

Title: The Toreador’s Song, from the opera Carmen

Composer: Georges Bizet, arr. David Gable

Instrumentation: Violin, Viola and Cello

Printout: 6 pages

Note: The Toreador’s Song is perhaps the best-known aria from Bizet’s masterpiece, Carmen, but more than being a catchy tune, the music imbues Escamillo (the toreador) with a flair for the dramatic and a self-aggrandizing ego. This piece is a must-have for gig musicians and opera lovers.

In this arrangement, Escamillo’s familiar “Toreador, en garde” theme is played first by the viola, then by the violin an octave higher. The audio sample includes the beginning of both the verse and the more familiar refrain.

The Toreador’s Song is also available in the Bargain Bundle Carmen, Selected Highlights for Violin, Viola and Cello, Set 2 at considerable savings.

An arrangement of The Toreador’s Song for string trio consisting of two violins and cello is also available.