Bizet, Georges

(1838-1875)

   composer

   Best known for his operas, Georges Bizet was born in Paris, where he entered the Paris Conservatory at age 10. After a brilliant career as a student, he went on to win first place in the Grand prix de Rome (1857). Among the numerous works that he composed for the theater, certain of his opéras comiques and operas stand out: Les Pêcheurs de perles (1863), La Jolie Fille de Perth (1866), Djamileh (1871), and, above all, Carmen (1875), a masterpiece of French lyrical drama in which the music conveys the most eloquent interpretation of the characterization. Although not an immediate success, Carmen soon became one of the most popular works in operatic history. Bizet was an outstanding dramatist, and his style would have a strong influence on the verismo school of opera of the late 19th century. Bizet's other works include the Symphonie in C (1855); a work of his youth, Jeux d'enfants, 12 pieces for piano duet (1871); and the celebrated incidental music for the play l'Arlésienne (1872).