Yep, we’re doing another opera today! This is also an opera that you most likely know at least some of the music from. It’s used a lot in popular culture, so I’d be surprised if it wasn’t at least a little familiar to you.
Carmen is probably my other most recommended first opera for that reason. But here’s a secret…it’s not one of my favorites. The music is lovely, but the story has moments that feel a little heavy handed to me.
At the same time, this opera is a little unique in casting. Most operas have the leading lady as a soprano, with all of her lush high notes. In this opera, the leading lady is played by a mezzo soprano, which is a slightly lower voice type. This is also true for Barber of Seville, but Rosina is often played by a soprano anyway, so I didn’t mention it there. It’s unusual for a mezzo to be the leading lady, so that’s another reason to watch Carmen.
Carmen is definitely heavier opera, and would be considered a drama. While there are funny moments, the overall story is not a comedy. And trigger warning, there is death and other weighty subjects addressed, so it’s definitely not for everyone all the time. I do recommend it to be watched at least once though.
Have you seen Carmen? What did you think of it?