LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Carmen: George Bizet
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A number of classical composers have used themes from Carmen as the basis for works of their own. Some of these, such as Pablo de Sarasate's Carmen Fantasy (1883) for violin and orchestra, Franz Waxman's Carmen Fantasie (1946) for violin and orchestra and Vladimir Horowitz's Variations on a theme from Carmen for solo piano are virtuoso showpieces in the tradition of fantasias on operatic themes. Ferruccio Busoni wrote a Sonatina (No.6) for piano named Fantasia da camera super Carmen (1920), which uses themes from the opera. There are ... two suites of music drawn directly from Bizet's opera, often recorded and performed in orchestral concerts.
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Bizet was awarded the Legion of Honor several hours before the premiere of Carmen, March 3, 1875. No one knows why it was timed ... but a wit of the day concluded "because it won't be possible to decorate him after Carmen hits the stage."
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George Bizet