L'Arlesienne Suites by Bizet reviewed by Jeremy Sams 22nd February 2025

Georges Bizet composed incidental music to Alphonse Daudet's drama, L'Arlésienne, The Girl from Arles. It was first performed in 1872 at the Théâtre du Vaudeville in Paris. The premiere was a failure and Daudet remarked: "It was a resounding flop amid the prettiest music in the world, silk and velvet costumes, and comic opera scenery. I came out of there discouraged, still hearing the silly laughter caused by the emotional scenes." The main pieces of the incidental music are most often heard in the form of two suites for full orchestra; and they have become some of Bizet's most popular compositions.
Recommended version:
Les Musiciens du Louvre
Chœur de l’opéra de Lyon
Marc Minkowski (conductor)
Naïve V513