Georges Bizet and the Music of Carmen
A familiar tune can make a listener imagine a marching crowd, a busy street, or a moment of danger. French composer Georges Bizet used music to create feelings like these in Carmen, an opera first performed in 1875. Today, its melodies are heard far beyond opera houses. How did Bizet give the story such a memorable sound?
Bizet was born in Paris, France, on October 25, 1838. Music was part of his family life: his father taught singing, and his mother played piano. Bizet showed musical ability early and entered the Paris Conservatory, a school for music, before his tenth birthday. There he studied piano and composition, the art of creating music.
In 1857, Bizet won the Prix de Rome, an important prize for young composers. The award allowed him to spend time in Italy, where he continued studying and composing. After returning to Paris, he wrote music for the theater as well as pieces for instruments. He also earned money by teaching and preparing other composers’ music for publication.
- composer:
- A person who creates music.
- melodies:
- Tunes made from a series of musical notes.
- rhythm:
- A pattern of beats or sounds in music.
- score:
- The written music for a musical work.
- vivid:
- Clear and lively in the imagination.
- critics:
- People who judge and share opinions about works such as music or plays.
- publication:
- The act of making writing or music available to others.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is the main idea of the article, and which detail supports it?
- 2How did Bizet’s family and early education help him develop as a musician?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“Georges Bizet and the Music of Carmen” is a explanatory article reading passage about Georges Bizet and opera, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (468 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.