Bizet, Georges. ...

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Bizet, Georges. Autograph letter signed ("Bizet"), in French, 1 page (5.12 x 4.87 in.; 130 x 124 mm., "Sunday" [no date but late 1874-early 1875], to a friend, Thomas [last name indistinguishable]; with integral blank. An invitation to a rehearsal of Carmen. The French composer writes in full: Dear friend, There will be no one, no one tomorrow at the final rehearsal of Carmen. Come see parts or the entire piece if you feel like it. Until tomorrow, Your Bizet. A French composer of the romantic era, Bizet is best known for his operas in a career cut short by his early death. The composer achieved few successes before his final work, Carmen, which has become one of the most popular and frequently performed works in the entire opera repertoire. Bizet finished the score during the summer and was pleased with the outcome: "I have written a work that is all clarity and vivacity, full of colour and melody." The renowned mezzo-soprano Célestine Galli-Marié (known professionally as "Galli-Marié") was engaged to sing the title role. According to Dean she was as delighted by the part as Bizet was by her suitability for it. When rehearsals began in October 1874 the orchestra had difficulties with the score, finding some parts unplayable. The chorus likewise declared some of their music impossible to sing, and were dismayed that they had to act as individuals, smoking and fighting onstage rather than merely standing in line. Bizet also had to counter further attempts at the Opéra-Comique to modify parts of the action, which they deemed improper. Only when the leading singers threatened to withdraw from the production did the management give way. Resolving these issues delayed the first night until 3 March 1875 on which morning, by chance, Bizet's appointment as a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour was announced. A fine letter of extraordinary content in pristine condition.