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CARMEN by Georges Bizet

Seville. The town square near the cigarette factory

In the square people come and go.

What an odd bunch …

Outside the guardhouse to kill time …

we smoke, gossip, and watch the people.

In the square people come and go …

Look at that sweet girl — she seems to want to talk to us.

We must help her!

What are you looking for, beautiful?

- Me? I’m looking for a soldier. - Here I am!

My soldier is Don José. Do you know him?

- Don José? We all know him. - Really? Is he with you?

He’s not with our regiment.

- So he’s not here? - No, my darling … but he’ll be here soon.

He’ll be here with the changing of the guard.

While you wait, would you, if you don’t mind,, like to stay for a moment?

- With you? - With us!

No, no. Thank you, kind soldiers.

Have no fear, sweetheart. We will treat you with respect.

No doubt, but I’ll come back. It’s more prudent …

I’ll return with the changing of the guard. - Stay I’ll return with the changing of the guard. - Stay! the guard changes soon.

Stay! - No!

Good-bye, soldiers!

The bell has sounded. We’ve come to see the dark-haired cigarette girls...

…murmuring professions of love.

But we don’t see Carmencita!

There she is!

There’s Carmencita!

Carmen, we will follow you. Carmen, give your answer!

Tell us when you’ll love us!

When will I love you? I can’t say.

Maybe never, maybe tomorrow…

But not today ... That’s certain.

Love is a rebellious bird, that no one can tame; no point calling, if it wants to refuse.

Threats and prayers do no good.

Some speak, others are silent Some speak, others are silent. I prefer the one who says nothing, but pleases me.

- Love ... - Love is a wild bird …

Love is a gypsy child.

If you don’t love me, I love you. If I love you, watch out!

The bird you grasp now escapes. Love comes if you stop waiting.

All around you, swiftly it comes and goes.

You think it’s yours, it escapes … you think you’ve escaped, it’s got you!

Love is a gypsy child.

If you don’t love me, I love you. If I love you, watch out!

Carmen, we will follow you. Carmen, give your answer…

Love is a gypsy child

If you don’t love me, I love you. If I love you, watch out.

Tell me news of my mother.

I bring as her faithful messenger this letter.

- A letter! - With a little extra money ... and also …

I hardly dare… also, there’s one more thing worth more than money to a good son.

What is this other thing? Tell me!

Yes, I will tell you. And what she gave me... I will give to you.

As your mother and I left the chapel, she embraced me and said:

“Go into town. It isn’t far, once you’re in Seville “Go into town. It isn’t far, once you’re in Seville. Find my son, my José, my child.”

“Tell him that his mother dreams night and day of her absent son…”

“ that she suffers, hopes, waits, and forgives you.”

“Won’t you tell him all this for me, darling?”

“And give him this kiss from me.”

- A kiss from my mother! - A kiss for her son!

José, I will give it now as I promised her…

Who knows what demon was about to ensnare me?

Even from far away my mother defends me, sending me this …

…and this kiss wards off danger, and saves her child.

What demon? What danger? What’s this about? - Nothing, nothing!

Let’s talk about you, my messenger, are you returning home soon?

Yes, this evening. Tomorrow I will see your mother.

You’ll see her! — I can picture my mother, my village … such sweet memories!

Beloved memories, you fill the heart with strength and courage.

What’s going on there?

Help, soldiers! Don’t you hear us?

It was Carmen! - No, it wasn’t!

Carmen struck the first blow!

Don’t listen to them, sir, listen to us!

It was Carmencita who cut first! - It was Manuelita who cut first!

Near the walls of Seville, at my friend Lillas Pastia’s,

I’ll dance the Seguidilla and drink manzanilla … at my friend Lillas Pastia’s.

But it’s a bore to be alone But it’s a bore to be alone. Real pleasure requires two, so I’ll take my lover along.

The devil knows where he is… I threw him out yesterday.

My poor heart is as free as the air.

I have dozens of prospects, but they’re not to my taste.

It’s the weekend… who wants to love me? I will love him.

Who wants my soul? You can have it … you’ve come at a good time.

I have no time to wait, because with my new lover…

Near the walls of Seville, at my friend Lillas Pastia’s,

I’ll dance the Seguidilla and drink manzanilla… yes, at my friend Lillas Pastia’s.

Be quiet! I told you not to talk to me.

I’m not talking to you, I’m singing for myself.

And I’m thinking. Thinking isn’t forbidden.

I’m thinking of a certain officer…

who loves me … And, in return, I could love him well!

My officer is not a captain or even a lieutenant. He’s just a corporal,

but that’s good enough for a gypsy woman, and I’ll be satisfied.

Carmen, I’m like a drunken man. If I yield to you…

Will you keep your promise? If I love you, Carmen, will you love me?

Yes, we will dance the Seguidilla - Carmen, do you promise?

Near the walls of Seville, at my friend Lillas Pastia’s,

We’ll dance the Seguidilla and drink manzanilla.

Outside Seville. At Lillas Pastia’s tavern

The chimes ring out with a metallic clang, and the gypsy girls arise to this exotic music.

Basque drums set the pace, while frenzied guitars, under obstinate fingers,

unfurl the same song, the same refrain.

With all their might, the gypsy boys drive their instruments to fury,

and this overwhelming din bewitches the gypsy girls.

To the rhythm of the song, burning, mad, feverish…

they surrender, intoxicated, carried away by the whirlwind.

Long live the toreador! Long live Escamillo!

I return your toast, soldiers. Yes, we have much in common…

We both fight for pleasure.

The bullring is full, it’s a festival.

The spectators lose their heads, roaring with excitement,

Taunts, shouts, and screams work up a frenzy!

This is a festival of courage, of brave men. En garde! Onward …

Toreador, en garde!

Dream, yes, dream while fighting, That dark eyes watch you,

and dream that love awaits you.

Suddenly, there’s silence. What’s happening?

No more shouting — it’s time! The bull rushes in!

He lunges — a horse goes down, dragging a picador.

“Bravo, bull. ” yells the crowd “Bravo, bull!” yells the crowd. The bull comes and goes, attacking again.

Shaking his banderillas, he charges furiously — the ring is filled with blood.

They jump the barriers to safety. It’s your turn, matador! Onward…

Toreador, en garde!

Dream, yes, dream while fighting, That dark eyes watch you,

and dream that love awaits you.

Love…

Toreador, love awaits you!

Halt. Who goes there. — Soldier of Alcala Halt! Who goes there? — Soldier of Alcala! Where are you going, soldier of Alcala?

Faithful and true, I follow the call of love Faithful and true, I follow the call of love. In that case, on your way, my friend.

Honor and love are everything to us, soldier of Alcala!

I will dance in your honor. You’ll see, Señor — I can accompany myself.

Sit here, Don Jose. I’ll begin:

Wait a moment, Carmen… stop. - Why, if you please?

I think I hear… Yes, our bugles are calling us back I think I hear… Yes, our bugles are calling us back. Can’t you hear them?

Bravo! It’s sad to dance without an orchestra, so now this music falls from the sky!

You don’t understand. It’s the retreat — I have to return to the barracks for roll-call.

To the barracks? For roll-call?

How could I be so stupid!

I’ve put myself out to amuse this fine gentleman.

I sang and danced … God help me, I believed I could love him.

Ta ra ta ta! “My God, it’s the retreat! I’m going to be late!”

He loses his head and runs off! So much for his love.

- You don’t believe in my love? - No.

Listen to me. - I don’t want to hear it. Go — they’ll be waiting!

I insist — you will hear me!

The flower you cast at me stayed with me in prison.

Though faded and dried, it still kept its sweet scent.

For hours, I would close my eyes, intoxicated by this scent.

And at night, I would see you.

I began to curse you and hate you, saying to myself:

Why did destiny place her in my path?

Then I called myself a sinner, and felt one desire, one hope:

To see you again, Carmen.

For you only had to appear, and cast one glance at me …

to possess my whole being …

… and now you own me.

Carmen, I love you.

- No … you do not love me. - What are you saying?

If you loved me, far away … … into the mountains …

You’d follow me. - Be quiet!

You’d take me away, on horseback, you’d be a hero.

- You will follow me, far away. - Have pity, be quiet.

No, I won’t listen! Desertion? Never.

Go. I don’t love you any more. - Carmen, I beg you. - I hate you Go! I don’t love you any more. - Carmen, I beg you! - I hate you. Go away!

So be it. Farewell — forever!

Who’s knocking? - You, be quiet.

I’ll let myself in.

Shame on you — bad choice. A soldier instead of an officer?

Get lost. - No — I’ll stay and fight!

Enough jealousy! Help me, friends!

Are you one of us now? - What choice is there?

Not so gallant, but who cares? Soon you’ll understand …

the joys of gypsy life, a country without boundaries or laws

And above all, intoxicating freedom!

Follow us into the mountains. Soon you’ll understand …

the joys of gypsy life, a country without boundaries or laws

And above all, intoxicating freedom!

The open sky, the gypsy life…

The mountains. The gypsy hideout

Trying to avoid the bitter truth, You shuffle, in vain …

It doesn’t work — the cards are honest and will not lie.

If you’re inscribed for joy in Fortune’s book, turn the cards without fear.

The card beneath your fingers confirms your happiness.

But if you must die, if Fate has written it,

try twenty times — the cards repeat, “Death.”

Again … again … Always “Death.”

I tell myself I’m not afraid, that I can take care of myself,

but even if I seem brave, I‘m dying of fear.

Alone in the wild, I’m afraid, but it’s wrong to be afraid …

You give me courage and protect me, Lord.

I will see this woman up close, who made him an outlaw …

… this man I used to love.

She is dangerous. She is beautiful.

But I don’t want to be afraid.

I will speak proudly to her face.

Lord, you will protect me!

I tell myself I’m not afraid …

I am Escamillo, Toreador of Granada.

I know your name. You’re welcome to stay.

I accept. I’m madly in love, and willing to risk my life.

Your beloved is here? - Yes. She’s a gypsy, my friend.

What’s her name?

She had a lover, a soldier who deserted for her.

They were in love, but it’s over. Carmen’s love is short-lived.

You love her anyway? - I love her madly.

You know, there’s a price for taking one of our gypsy girls?

Fine, I’ll pay it.

But we negotiate the price … with our knives!

I get it now. Her old lover — that’s you.

Yes, it is. - Now we’re all acquainted.

On your guard, take care! If you hesitate, it’s over!

Stop, José!

I’m delighted that it’s you who saved my life.

As for you, we’re even. We’ll fight for the prize again, whenever you wish.

No more arguments. Time to leave — you as well.

Allow me first to invite you all to my match in Seville.

Don’t worry, I’ll be at my best.

All who love me will be there…

Calm down, friend. I’ve said it all. And now, adieu.

Watch out, I’m at my limit! - Let’s be off, time to go!

Stop! There’s someone hiding!

A woman! - What a nice surprise!

Micaela! What are you doing here?

I came to find you.

Over there, in a cottage, your mother weeps for her son,.

She calls for you with outstretched arms.

Take pity on her, José, come with me!

Go, you’re not cut out for this. - You want me to follow her?

So you can run after your new lover? No!

Even if it costs me my life, I won’t leave.

The chain that binds us does so unto death.

One more word — my last.

Your mother is dying, and does not want to die without forgiving you

We must go!

Be happy — I’m leaving … But we will meet again.

Toreador, en garde!

While you fight, dream of the dark eyes that are watching, and the love that awaits you.

Act IV: Outside a bullfighting arena in Seville

Here they are! Here comes the quadrilla!

Here comes the quadrilla of toreadors, with the sun gleaming on their lances!

Throw your hats in the air!

Hurrah for Escamillo! Bravo!

If you love me, Carmen, you will soon be very proud of me.

Ah, I love you, Escamillo. May I die if I have ever loved anyone as much.

Make way for the procession!

It’s you… They warned me that you weren’t far away, that you’d come here.

They even told me to fear for my life, but I am brave and didn’t wish to flee.

I’m not threatening you, I’m imploring you, begging you.

I can forget our past.

We can begin a new life together, in a different place.

You ask the impossible. Carmen has never lied. Her soul is inflexible:

Everything is over between you and her.

I’ve never lied: everything is over between us.

Carmen, there is still time.

My Carmen, let me save you, for I adore you.

Let me save you and save myself, too.

No. I know it is time, and that you will kill me No! I know it is time, and that you will kill me. But whether I live or die..,

No, I will not yield to you.

Carmen, there’s still time… - Why bother with a heart that’s no longer yours?

Let me save us… - You plead in vain; you’ll get nothing from me.

So, you don’t love me any more?

No, I don’t love you any more.

But I still love you, Carmen. Alas, I adore you!

What good are all these words. - I love you What good are all these words? - I love you! If you like, I’ll stay a bandit.

Anything you want. Anything, you hear?

But don’t leave me, my Carmen But don’t leave me, my Carmen. Remember our past, and how we loved each other.

Carmen will never yield. She was born free, and she will die free!

Hurrah, what a fine match. See the bull leap through the bloody sand Hurrah, what a fine match! See the bull leap through the bloody sand. Victory!

Let me go! - The man they cheer is your new lover?

On my soul: you will not pass. You will follow me.

I will not follow you. - You’re going to him? You love him, then?

I love him! Before Death itself, I will repeat that I love him.

Hurrah, a fine match…

Thus, I will have lost my soul so that you…

so that you can go, you whore, and laugh at me from his arms?

By blood, I swear you shall not go. It is I you’ll follow.

Never. - I’m tired of threatening you.

Fine — strike me, then, or let me pass!

Victory!

For the last time, demon, will you follow me?

No. You gave me this ring before — take it!

Be damned, then!

Toreador, en garde! …

You can arrest me. It was I who killed her.

Ah Carmen, my beloved Carmen!