Carmen' Fantasy on themes from Bizet's 'Carmen'

Borne, F

International Music Company presents Francois Borne's 'Carmen' Fantasy on theme's from Bizet's 'Carmen', edited by Robert Stallman

Francois Borne was principal flutist for the Grand Theatre of Bordeaux and professor of flute at the Toulouse Conservatory. He is most remembered today for the Fantasie Brilliant on Themes from Bizet s Carmen, which has become a staple of the Romantic flute repertoire.

'Borne is lavish with the themes of Bizet s opera, lingering over none of them, except the famous Habanera, which is followed by two variations, and arranging them for effective contrast. The piano begins the piece alone with the music of Carmen s first entrance in Act 1. The tunes that follow include the opera s 'tragic' theme and the song of the cigarette girls and young men from Act 1. After the habanera, the Gypsy song from Act 2 appears headed for a whirling finish. The most familiar of operatic melodies, the Toreador Song, puts in a cameo appearance just before the brief, brilliant coda.'

- Marina Piccinini; Belle Epoque