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Bizet falls in love and enlists as a soldier. Meanwhile, in Act 3 of Carmen, love turns to regret and recrimination. Presented by Donald Macleod.

Georges Bizet’s story ought to have been a very straightforward one. It was clear to everyone who met him just how brilliantly and excitingly talented he was. He was also fortunate to live and work in Paris, a city laden with musical opportunities in the mid-19th century. This week, Donald Macleod shows how Bizet’s life proved more challenging and event-filled than anyone might have expected – and that success can never be guaranteed!

Throughout the week, Donald also guides us through Bizet’s most celebrated work, Carmen – an opera famous for its Spanish heat, fractured passions and fabulous tunes.

Today, Bizet decides he’s ready to marry. The Prussians march towards Paris and he joins the army. In Act 3 of Carmen, corporal Don José has deserted his post to follow Carmen and her smuggler friends into the mountains. Carmen is quickly tiring of José's attentions, and she’s filled with foreboding after seeking their fortune in the tarot cards.

La jolie fille de Perth: choeur de la Saint-Valentin (Act 4)
Chœur de Radio France
Nouvel Orchestre Philharmonique, conducted by Georges Prêtre

Variations chromatiques
Julia Severus (piano)

Carmen (excerpts from Act 3)
Angela Gheorghiu, soprano (Carmen)
Roberto Alagna, tenor (Don José),
Thomas Hampson, bass-baritone (Escamillo)
Inva Mula, soprano (Micaëla)
Elizabeth Vidal, soprano (Frasquita)
Isabelle Cals, soprano (Mercédès)
Nicolas Rivenq, baritone (Le Dancaïre)
Yann Beuron, tenor (Le Remendado)
Choeur 'Les Éléments'
Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, conducted by Michel Plasson

Jeux d'enfants: No 3 ‘La poupée’ & No 2 ‘La toupee’
Katia Labèque (piano), Marielle Labèque (piano)