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| The Toreador's1 Song, from Georges Bizet's opera Carmen, must be one of the most famous baritone solos in the repertoire. In Carmen, the celebrated toreador and popular idol of the time Escamillo, enters the inn where Carmen happens to be waiting and sings this fabulous show-stopper. It is a tempter from one expert in the 'game' of casual sex to another. Both set out to play the game, but as we all know it gets far more serious (to the point of death) than either can anticipate. The song starts in F minor (with bars 16 and 17 as a surprise F major hint - spot it?); then converts to F major for its vigorously stirring irresistible march tempo chorus. If you find time during your sing-along, keep an ear open for Georges' electrifying musical accompaniment. There are several versions of the song available, some with English translations (not always excellent!). Many are single copies for concert performance. This arrangement is taken from an old Vocal Score with an included English translation. There are some slight changes to the dialogue in bars 15 - 17 and a modified ending for chorus by Village Singers' Director of Music, Mrs Bella Conn. But enough of the technicalities, these are small variations, on with the show! The MusicSmiles team has arranged the second chorus as a children's march, can you see the urchins entering the arena skipping and stamping along with the fighters through the tunnel? This also reminds us of Oscar Hammerstein II's adaptation in Carmen Jones. You haven't come across this film (play) (Disc)? It's a must! The music is pure Bizet and the libretto is pure bliss! This faithfully tracks the original story but transfers it from the bull-fighting world of Spain to a World War II American setting. The male lead, a boxer named Joe, falls in love with Carmen Jones, a local factory worker. However, back to Georges' cracking Spanish story Carmen (in French of course) or English translation if you prefer. Have a go, or two, or three (you can have as many encores as you like!). . . Toreador
Song Escamillo:
Health
to you! Festive
throngs are crowding everywhere, Frenzied
shouts and clamour, noise and din Toreador,
guard well your life Men, and Children's March: Toreador,
guard well your life Escamillo and SATB Chorus: Toreador,
guard well your life In Georges' language, French, this time? . . . Escamillo: Votre
toast, je peux vous le rendre, Le
cirque est plein, c'est jour de fę te! A-pos-tro
phes,
cris, et ta pa-ge Toréador,
en garde! Solo and Children's March: Toréador,
en garde! Escamillo and Full Chorus:
Toréador,
en garde! Bravo!!! That's quite a song. C'est magnifique n'est-ce pas? Didn't you discover yourself marching round the room? Well, why not, nobody is watching! French experts' views on the language (or translation) are welcomed.
To return to story Click (Up) LHS Footnote 1: A Toreador, according to our dictionary, was a Spanish bullfighter (usually mounted). Things may have changed now though with the advent of professionals in the field. (Comments welcome). Return to story.
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