Music Appreciation
Carmen Assignment
1. What are the characteristics of this opera (story/plot, characters, setting, themes, etc.) that tell
you this comes from the Romantic Era?
2. Give a brief description of each character:
a. Carmen:
b. Don Jose’:
c. Micaela:
d. Escamillo:
3. How does Bizet use music to describe each of the characters above?
a. Carmen:
b. Don Jose’:
c. Micaela:
d. Escamillo:
4. How is dance used in this production? Does it help further the story? If so, how?
5. Name three major themes in this opera. Pick one of those and give an example of how that
theme plays out in the opera—how does music tell you when that theme is present.
6. Give an example of each musical event (when does it occur in the opera, who performs it):
a. An aria:
b. A duet:
c. An instrumental interlude:
d. A small vocal ensemble:
e. A chorus: