Georges Bizet
1838-1875
Period of Music: Romantic
Nationality: France
Instruments he played: Piano
Major compositions: Carmen (opera), Te Deum (chorus/orchestra),
L'Arlesienne Suite (incidental music), Symphony in C (orchestra),
Jeux d'enfants (Children's Games) (piano duets), Impromptus (piano)
Interesting Facts:
-Bizet’s father was a singing teacher and
composer, his mother was an
accomplished pianist, and his uncle was a distinguished singer and
teacher.
-He demonstrated an
early aptitude for music and began studying
at the Paris Conservatory at 9 years old. At 10 years old he won
first prize in solfege and went on to win the prestigious Prix de Rome
in 1857.
-Bizet met the
composers Charles Gounod and Camille Saint-Saens
while studying at the Paris Conservatory. He also knew Jacques
Offenbach, Franz Liszt and Gioachino Rossini.
-He served in the
National Guard during the Franco-Prussian War.
-Bizet was married to
Genevieve Halevy and had one son.
-His opera Carmen premiered on March 3, 1875. Bizet
was convinced
that the work was a failure, died of a heart attack three months
later at
36 years old, and never knew the enormous success and longevity of
his opera.
