Carmen on the Couch: Bizet's Bold Heroine
Series: NPR Music: Features
From: NPR Music
Length: 00:05:09
- Playing
- Carmen on the Couch: Bizet's Bold Heroine
- From
- NPR Music
(Available for free to NPR member stations.
If you're not an NPR member station, contact programservices@npr.org)
September marks the start of the new opera season. Again the perennial favorite, "Carmen," by Georges Bizet, will take the stage at opera houses in places like New York, London and Vienna.
Carmen owes its longevity, in part, to Bizet's sparkling music, and to its fearless, flirtatious title character. But for all her sexual charisma, Carmen's own fate, in Bizet's opera, says something about how society views strong women.
(See 'Website' for more text plus extra video and audio.)
More from NPR Music
Music From The Inauguration: Aretha Franklin, Yo-Yo Ma
(00:07:25)
From: NPR Music
Here are two of the musical selections from the 2009 Inauguration. These are music cuts only for you to use as you wish on your broadcasts. No use allowed for purely ...
Bob Brookmeyer Tribute
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
Bob Brookmeyer had a unique voice on valve trombone and piano. He was a composer and arranger of compelling, brilliant music and became one of the most distinctive musicians ...
Billie Holiday: 'Lady Sings the Blues'
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
Billie Holliday could take any song and make it her own. Her personal battles are legendary and it was that pain that fueled her songs. But, her impact on jazz was substantial.
James Moody: In The Mood
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
He was a virtuoso musician, known for his work on multiple saxophones and flute. He was also a man who radiated love: When you met him, he'd hold you tight and kiss you on ...
Duke Ellington: The Composer, Pt. 2
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
Duke Ellington saw writing music as his primary purpose in life, and he took a complex, multi-layered and strikingly original approach to composing. His creative work ...
Duke Ellington: The Composer, Pt. 1
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
Duke Ellington composed some of the most enduring music of the 20th century, producing more than one thousand lasting works during a career spanning more than 50 years.
Rosemary Clooney: An American Treasure
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
For more than fifty years, Rosemary Clooney's simple and exquisite singing style defined her dynamic career. She also took on movie roles, and did a star turn in her own ...
Tito Puente: 'El Rey'
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
A dynamic percussionist, veteran bandleader, masterful arranger and an irrepressible showman, Tito Puente Sr. is forever remembered as El Rey — the King of Latin Music.
Oscar Peterson: Piano Master
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
Famed jazz pianist Oscar Peterson commanded the entire keyboard with incredible dexterity, drive and precision. He performed around the world for more than 50 years, accruing ...
Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
Unlike the vast majority of jazz musicians, Dave Brubeck was blessed with both talent and commercial success. His renowned 1950s quartet recorded standards like "Take Five," ...
Related Pieces
Piece Description
(Available for free to NPR member stations. If you're not an NPR member station, contact programservices@npr.org) September marks the start of the new opera season. Again the perennial favorite, "Carmen," by Georges Bizet, will take the stage at opera houses in places like New York, London and Vienna. Carmen owes its longevity, in part, to Bizet's sparkling music, and to its fearless, flirtatious title character. But for all her sexual charisma, Carmen's own fate, in Bizet's opera, says something about how society views strong women. (See 'Website' for more text plus extra video and audio.)
Broadcast History
Originally broadcast on Weekend Edition Saturday on September 22, 2007.
Related Website
