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Georges Bizet — Carmen Suite No. 2, Habanera
Album: Carmen
Avg rating:
8.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2397









Released: 1978
Length: 2:07
Plays (last 30 days): 3
(instrumental)
Comments (127)add comment
 sajitjacob wrote:

This is the original CD cover chosen by Bizet in 1875.



They had CDs in 1875?
Trump's hand bottom right.
 xcranky_yankee wrote:

sorry, but is anyone else thinking Bugs Bunny? I learned more about classical music from Merry Melodies during the early years...


Back in the early 90’s, I went to a showing of Lawrence of Arabia at the Cinesphere IMAX theatre in Toronto.   It’s a long movie with an intermission, during which they played classical music. I had gotten up to walk around and was standing at the front of the auditorium when the overture from Rossini’s Barber of Seville started playing. I looked back up at the crowd of all ages and 80% of them had both hands in front of them, fingers down “massaging” an invisible scalp in time with the music. Shared cultural heritage, indeed.



 springof63 wrote:

This is the original CD cover chosen by Bizet in 1875.


Just saying - to be fair, no 8-track tapes, no cassettes, and the gramophone wasn't invented until 1887, but i do take your point...

Thankfully,   NO MP-3s !  
 xcranky_yankee wrote:

sorry, but is anyone else thinking Bugs Bunny? I learned more about classical music from Merry Melodies during the early years...



agreed, check out the Carl Stalling Project
https://a.co/d/7kke7a8
 xcranky_yankee wrote:

sorry, but is anyone else thinking Bugs Bunny? I learned more about classical music from Merry Melodies during the early years...


My kids' classical musical education came largely from a box set of Tom & Jerry.

sajitjacob wrote:

This is the original CD cover chosen by Bizet in 1875.

 jkamm14 wrote:

To be fair they only had LPs, cassettes and 8-track tapes back then. 

Just saying - to be fair, no 8-track tapes, no cassettes, and the gramophone wasn't invented until 1887, but i do take your point...
Why is it so good?
 jlind wrote:
 

 Did you read his book?



Did Bill write a book?  I would read it.
 sajitjacob wrote:

This is the original CD cover chosen by Bizet in 1875.


To be fair they only had LPs, cassettes and 8-track tapes back then. 
Act 1 of Carmen is my favorite bit of opera..  And the Quenn of the Night aria.  And . . . 
 Beaker wrote:

I fell in love with Carmen, long, long ago.  And that love persists.

Instant 10 on the entire Carmen Suite.


Me too! And I married her!
 xcranky_yankee wrote:

sorry, but is anyone else thinking Bugs Bunny? I learned more about classical music from Merry Melodies during the early years...




Phew, thought it was just me.
it's comforting to me, as a human, that if that girl stepped out a portal from a 138 years ago, I'd still be stupefied by how hot she is. 
I fell in love with Carmen, long, long ago.  And that love persists.

Instant 10 on the entire Carmen Suite.
Plus 1 for the cover art
 jpfueler wrote:


Former co-worker's kids called Classical "Bugs Bunny Music" and asked for "The Bugs Bunny Music Channel to be played from time to time (WRR 101.1 in DFW).



Too funny! I am 68yrs old. In the early 60s, Bugs Bunny & Merry Melodies introduced me to classical music and they did a GREAT JOB!!
 Kaw wrote:

Legends say that the right bottom hand is that of Trump. Historians generally disagree. Trumps hand is smaller they say.



As well as another part of his anatomy.
 NickDanger wrote:


I read through the comments looking for someone else who had this exact same thought!


Former co-worker's kids called Classical "Bugs Bunny Music" and asked for "The Bugs Bunny Music Channel to be played from time to time (WRR 101.1 in DFW).
 xcranky_yankee wrote:

sorry, but is anyone else thinking Bugs Bunny? I learned more about classical music from Merry Melodies during the early years...



I read through the comments looking for someone else who had this exact same thought!
A New Gas Fire, A New Gas Fire............. OK you have to be old & English to get this.  ( it was used in an Ad and my brain can never unhear it)
 Michaeljcovel wrote:

For me, It's not the woman,  but the hands all over it.  Is that the original? Or did Nicholson's Joker crew get into the art gallery again?!
     


or it's a commissioned illustration done in the style of Magritte.
 keenevision wrote:

I keep seeing a Bugs Bunny cartoon.…🤪




LOL! Me too!  GREAT TUNE!   
 Kaw wrote:

Legends say that the right bottom hand is that of Trump. Historians generally disagree. Trumps hand is smaller they say.



Hahaha! Good one!
 barguybrady wrote:

Anyone here remember:

"I ask to be,
or not to be...
That is the question that I ask of thee..."



Also:

Neither a borrower nor a lender be
Do not forget, stay out of debt
Think twice and take this good advice from me
Guard that old sovereign, see?
There is one other thing
You ought to do
To thine own self be true!
Due to my age, whenever I hear this I automatically think of its use as background music for a play Gilligan and company performed on Gilligan's Island.
Anyone here remember:

"I ask to be,
or not to be...
That is the question that I ask of thee..."
 xcranky_yankee wrote:

sorry, but is anyone else thinking Bugs Bunny? I learned more about classical music from Merry Melodies during the early years...




That was their plan! :-)
Agreed Jono.
 joko63808 wrote:

What a discussion about a cover. Can't understand, maybe because I'm European?


For me, It's not the woman,  but the hands all over it.  Is that the original? Or did Nicholson's Joker crew get into the art gallery again?!
     
I didn't know ol Georges was all *hands* 
What a discussion about a cover. Can't understand, maybe because I'm European?
 LizK wrote:

Got to agree about the cover. A dancer in Spanish dress would have been more appropriate.  And my memories of Carmen are about
the 2 film versions I saw in the 80s.  Marvelous, both of them.


There are probably dozens of Carmen album covers and program covers (from performances) with a dancer in Spanish dress. So yes, it’s appropriate but also expected and therefore cliched.
The job of an album cover or book cover is to be noticed by a potential buyer. It has to stand out in a store. A provocative and unexpected image is the best way. If you’re looking for an album called Sticky Fingers, what would you expect to see? a hand with glue on it? Fingers in a jar of honey? But you might not expect to see a suggestive closeup of jeans with an actual zipper (as it has in vinyl).
Fluteus maximus. 
 LizK wrote:

Got to agree about the cover. A dancer in Spanish dress would have been more appropriate.  And my memories of Carmen are about
the 2 film versions I saw in the 80s.  Marvelous, both of them.


That's like saying Siegfried should rather be dressed like a viking, when it comes to perform Wagner.
Got to agree about the cover. A dancer in Spanish dress would have been more appropriate.  And my memories of Carmen are about
the 2 film versions I saw in the 80s.  Marvelous, both of them.
I gave it an 1--though the song and this performance are good. This album cover is actually more disgusting than that pedophilic cover of the Blind Faith album, and that's saying something. BILL: there are MANY recordings of Carmen for you to choose from. WHY THIS ONE?!
 CCSandman wrote:

Haha! Who sanctioned that cover? 🤣




Must have been one of the boys from Spinal Tap.
 xcranky_yankee wrote:

sorry, but is anyone else thinking Bugs Bunny? I learned more about classical music from Merry Melodies during the early years...




YES! Me too!
 keenevision wrote:

I keep seeing a Bugs Bunny cartoon.…🤪




Me too!! Too funny!!   
Haha! Who sanctioned that cover? 🤣
 richlister wrote:

Best Album cover, EVER. Full stop.




Can't disagree more. This is just sexist album "art". Full stop.
 xcranky_yankee wrote:

sorry, but is anyone else thinking Bugs Bunny? I learned more about classical music from Merry Melodies during the early years...

I must admit I was remembering and associating this with whichever Bugs cartoon from my childhood that was, but then I clicked on the tab and saw the album cover and stopped thinking about Bugs Bunny immediately.

I was also a street urchin in the production of Carmen at the Carter Barron amphitheater in Washington DC. I still remember some of the lyrics.
Wow awesome segue from Grateful Dead - Golden Road! 
Excellent!! I never heard of him before.  Thanx RP!
 fredriley wrote:
...wikipedia entry...
 
what I find more extraordinary is how cold the reception was for an opera that, musically, is so immediately accessible.
1972.  Dunfermline High School (Scotland).  I was 12 and I was a street urchin in the school Opera, Carmen.

In the original Carnegie Hall.  

Thanks for the memories Bill.  
 zitherica wrote:

Omg this inastantly brings memories of... Trainspotting scene with toilet dive :D




Ughh. That movie was a hard watch.
I keep seeing a Bugs Bunny cartoon.…🤪
Radio Paradise rated R!
 richlister wrote:

Best Album cover, EVER. Full stop.

Robert Palmer's Pressure Drop ain't bad either...

https://c.neevacdn.net/image/f...

 richlister wrote:

Best Album cover, EVER. Full stop.


I find it just a tad creepy (especially the Trump Glove).

I think you have to be English and over a certain age to understand why I am hearing 'A new Gas Fire' over and over in my head
 dwlangham wrote:

The cover is a blatant attempt to appeal to something other than our more refined sensibilities. Which is why I'm giving it a 10.



Yeah! Nice glutes :o)
 Webfoot wrote:

I don't remember that scene in the opera though.


How about Robert Palmer Pressure Drop?
I don't recall any nude scenes in the opera. However, the album cover is an accurate depiction of the role of desire in the opera's plot.
freeform rock radio - just like it always was - nice british humor cover
 xcranky_yankee wrote:

sorry, but is anyone else thinking Bugs Bunny? I learned more about classical music from Merry Melodies during the early years...


I actually lol'd at that - because, well, it's true - and a big reason why I have an annual opera subscription today :)
 xcranky_yankee wrote:

sorry, but is anyone else thinking Bugs Bunny? I learned more about classical music from Merry Melodies during the early years...



A former co-worker's kids call Classical "Bugs Bunny Music"
Even better than the cover to Whipped Cream and Other Delights.
 PhoenixArtDj wrote:
Bill you magnificent bastard!
 

Well said, sir. 
sorry, but is anyone else thinking Bugs Bunny? I learned more about classical music from Merry Melodies during the early years...
I'm really not into this 70's pop.



Love the opera and REALLY love the modern(ish) take, Carmen Jones...wonderful classic movie.

A solid 9, by almost any artist.
This is the original CD cover chosen by Bizet in 1875.
Legends say that the right bottom hand is that of NY Governor  Cuomo. Historians generally disagree. Cuomo's hand is smaller according to his aides.
I ask to be
Or not to be
A rogue or peasant slave is what you see.
 Webfoot wrote:

I don't remember that scene in the opera though.
 
It's in the credits
 dwlangham wrote:
The cover is a blatant attempt to appeal to something other than our more refined sensibilities. Which is why I'm giving it a 10.
 
I heard this in the background and thought to check the comments for any photos from 2001 A Space Odyssey, instead I found the cover has gained far much attention. Thinking on it though, it brings me new understanding of Kubrick's selection of the tune for the given scene. 
 Steve_Bumgardner wrote:

The other three are a depiction of one of Gropey Joes hands moving at lightning speed as he sniffs her hair.
 
the only thing Joe does at high speed.
other than lie, or give the worst possible solution, or tank the economy . . . okay, he does do many things at high speed
 Kaw wrote:
Legends say that the right bottom hand is that of Trump. Historians generally disagree. Trumps hand is smaller they say.
 
The other three are a depiction of one of Gropey Joes hands moving at lightning speed as he sniffs her hair.
 drewd wrote:
Pretty risqué cover art for back in 1875. Quite scandalous for 19th century sensibilities...
 Is the top right hand adjusting the volume or tempo?

Omg this inastantly brings memories of... Trainspotting scene with toilet dive :D
 drewd wrote:
Pretty risqué cover art for back in 1875. Quite scandalous for 19th century sensibilities...
 

Yes but pretty typical for 1973 when this was recorded!  
Pretty risqué cover art for back in 1875. Quite scandalous for 19th century sensibilities...
 Btravelen wrote:

There are apparently, at least,  3 tRumpies 'listening' to RP 😁
 

Stupid is not a thing of which to be proud.
 Kaw wrote:
Legends say that the right bottom hand is that of Trump. Historians generally disagree. Trumps hand is smaller they say.
 
You win most stupid comment of the day. Congratulations. 
 Kaw wrote:
Legends say that the right bottom hand is that of Trump. Historians generally disagree. Trumps hand is smaller they say.
 
You win most stupid comment of the day. Congratulations.
 Kaw wrote:
Legends say that the right bottom hand is that of Trump. Historians generally disagree. Trumps hand is smaller they say.
 
You win most stupid comment of the day. Congratulations.
 Kaw wrote:
Legends say that the right bottom hand is that of Trump. Historians generally disagree. Trumps hand is smaller they say.
 
If it hadn't been Trump's, it would have been Bill Clinton's hand (in the WH again).  The hand would be easily identifiable as a finger would be clearly bent.
 Kaw wrote:
Legends say that the right bottom hand is that of Trump. Historians generally disagree. Trumps hand is smaller they say.
 
There are apparently, at least,  3 tRumpies 'listening' to RP 😁
Bad News Bears!
 flavaflav wrote:
10.
 
Nothing else.
10.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JQ8yF04y9o

Later in this episode, Gilligan repeatedly sings the Hamlet lyrics while settling in for the night.  An annoyed Skipper throws Gilligan off his hammock and bellows, "And that is the answer that you get... from... me!"  And that was my introduction to this piece.
I'm gettin' me some red gloves
 Baron77 wrote:
Who else thinks of that Grapefruit from Sesame Street?  
 

That grapefruit horrifies and haunts me to this day.
and I'm 8 years old again....  The Bad News Bears... That's what I see every time i hear this.
 PhoenixArtDj wrote:
Bill you magnificent bastard!

 Did you read his book?

 Jeffrey wrote:
I want my shirt!  He wants his shirt!


 
I won't be happy without my shirt!
good music, good art.  what's not to like?
Bill you magnificent bastard!
Va va va voom!  I'm gonna start going to classical gigs more often! 
 Kaw wrote:
Legends say that the right bottom hand is that of Trump. Historians generally disagree. Trumps hand is smaller they say.

 
Beat me to it. Exactly what I was gonna write! 

(Insert Tom Hanks laugh)
Sorry, what were you playing?
The first act of Carmen is among the best in all of opera.
 ariadne223 wrote:

Heck yes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8TqOTe3ODc

 

 
I credit that bit for at least 50% of my love of classical music and the beginning of my obsession with Carmen.  In my heart, Jim Henson was at least as significant an artist as Bizet. 
 Baron77 wrote:
Who else thinks of that Grapefruit from Sesame Street?  

 
Heck yes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8TqOTe3ODc

 
 Ahnyer_Keester wrote:

This is what you get at an eclectic radio station. If it isn't working for you, there is a PSD button. Personally, I love having it mixed in appropriately!

 
I couldn't agree more. I love the mix.
That is the first rather NSFW cover I've seen here. Luckily I have quick scrolling skills.
Legends say that the right bottom hand is that of Trump. Historians generally disagree. Trumps hand is smaller they say.
Darn hot women from 1875.
Gratuitous album art but still like the music. And the album art. 
Who else thinks of that Grapefruit from Sesame Street?  
 richlister wrote:
Best Album cover, EVER. Full stop.

 
I don't remember that scene in the opera though.
 dwlangham wrote:
The cover is a blatant attempt to appeal to something other than our more refined sensibilities. Which is why I'm giving it a 10.

 
{#Roflol} The Wikipedia entry on the opera is enlightening. For sure, Carmen is painted as a temptress so that might justify the cover, for all its tackiness, but the opera deals with weightier themes than just sexual desire.

The opera, written in the genre of opéra comique with musical numbers separated by dialogue, tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who is seduced by the wiles of the fiery Gypsy, Carmen. José abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts from his military duties, yet loses Carmen's love to the glamorous toreador Escamillo, after which José kills her in a jealous rage. The depictions of proletarian life, immorality and lawlessness, and the tragic death of the main character on stage, broke new ground in French opera and were highly controversial.
AHHH, a little Carmen.   Makes me want to see another of the many films of the opera.  
 helgigermany wrote:
I love classic music though, but not here ,please!

 
This is what you get at an eclectic radio station. If it isn't working for you, there is a PSD button. Personally, I love having it mixed in appropriately!
 helgigermany wrote:
I love classic music though, but not here ,please!

 
I couldn't disagree more!
{#Boohoo}
 Spliff wrote:
She looks pretty good for 138.

 
{#Lol}
I've loved classical since seeing A Clockwork Orange but based on the album cover I have a whole new appreciation for it!!
Best Album cover, EVER. Full stop.
 Grammarcop wrote:
Bill's getting us ready for the women's figure skating in the winter Olympics. Someone skates to this every time. 

 
and wears an outfit almost as revealing . . . can you say wardrobe malfunction?
Bill's getting us ready for the women's figure skating in the winter Olympics. Someone skates to this every time. 
 helgigermany wrote:
I love classic music though, but not here ,please!

 
Why not? As long as it fits in the playlist-character.... {#Wink}
 Jamunca wrote:
10 for the music... and the cover. 

 
I gave it a 10 but I'd give the cover a 11.  It's pretty hilarious (and Carmen is quite the looker) and would probably turn a whole generation of kids on to racy operas! {#Clap}
The cover is a blatant attempt to appeal to something other than our more refined sensibilities. Which is why I'm giving it a 10.