Georges Bizet Edition - Box Set 16CDs

Label : Erato

Format : Wav

Cover : Yes

This collection of 16 CD offers a comprehensive and meticulously curated journey through Bizet’s major works, bringing together exceptional performances by top-tier artists.

Georges Bizet (1838-1875), renowned for his iconic masterpiece Carmen – which still remains one of the most performed operas on stages the world over – left behind a rich and diverse body of work despite his untimely death at just 36. This collection celebrates the genius of one of France’s greatest composers, featuring his most beautiful works performed by world-class artists such as Maria Callas, Barbara Hendricks, June Anderson, Magdalena Kožená, Jonas Kaufmann and Simon Rattle. A bonus selection of historic recordings across 3 CDs offers a glimpse into how Bizet’s music has been interpreted over time.

CD 1-9 

Operas: Les Pêcheurs de Perles; Ivan IV; La Jolie Fille de Perth; Carmen (two versions)

featuring two versions of Carmen the legendary 1964 version by Maria Callas and Nicolai Gedda under the baton of Georges Prêtre, and the original version restored by Fritz Oeser in 1964, recorded in 2012 by Simon Rattle with the Berliner Philharmoniker, Magdalena Kožená and Jonas Kaufmann. 

CD 10-12 

Orchestral Works: Symphony in C Major; Overture in A Major; Funeral March in B Minor; La Jolie Fille de Perth Suite; Orchestral Suite No. 3 “Roma”; Jeux d’Enfants Suite, Op. 22; Les quatre Coins; Dramatic Overture “Patrie”; L’Arlésienne Incidental Music; L’Arlésienne Suites Nos. 1 & 2; Carmen Suites Nos. 1 & 2

CD 13

Jeux d’Enfants Suite, Op. 22 for Piano, 4 Hands

Songs & Choral Works: Cantata “Clovis et Clotilde”; Pastorale; Ouvre ton coeur; Adieu de l’hôtesse arabe; Album Leaves Nos. 3 & 5; La Chanson du fou; Agnus Dei (after the Intermezzo from L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2)

CD 14

Bizet Arrangements: Pablo de Sarasate: Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25 for Violin & Orchestra; Franz Waxman: Carmen Fantasy for Trumpet & Piano; Habanera from Carmen for Cello & Orchestra; Carmen Potpourri; Adagietto & Minuetto from L’Arlésienne for Piano

CD 15-16

Historical Recordings 1903-1943: Symphony in C Major; Dramatic Overture “Patrie”; Jeux d’Enfants Suite, Op. 22; Roma Suite (excerpts); La Jolie Fille de Perth Suite; L’Arlésienne Incidental Music; Carmen Suite No. 1; Carmen (excerpts); Les Pêcheurs de Perles (excerpts)

Complete tracklist : Georges Bizet Edition