Bizet’s Compositional Trends in Stage Works as Seen in L’Arlésienne (1872) and Carmen (1875): Misato OCHIAI
Abstract
Representative works by Georges Bizet (1838–1875) include L’Arlésienne (1872) and Carmen (1875). The two works differ in both the theaters where they premiered and their performance genres; the former was created for the Théâtre du Vaudeville as incidental music for a play, while the latter was composed as a spoken-dialogue opera for the Théâtre de l’Opéra-Comique. Nevertheless, both are alike in being grounded in the performance of prose dramas and in pursuing theatrical expressions within the framework of theater regulation. Additionally, the premieres of both works were initially met with limited acclaim and were gradually accepted through changes in their modes of performance. However, few studies have clarified the creative continuity or interrelationship between L’Arlésienne and Carmen. In this presentation, I juxtapose these two works, which were created around the same period, and explore the continuity of their creation in consideration of the differences in genre conventions. Specifically, I examine the theater regulations and reviews of the premieres to determine how these works were realized and the characteristics they possessed. Subsequently, I aim to clarify the development of Bizet’s expressive techniques during this period, as well as the continuity of his compositional approach.
Event Outline
- Time and Date: January 17 (Sat.) 2026, 16:30 – 18:00 (JST)
- Format: HyFlex (On-Campus and Online meeting (Zoom))
- Venue: Waseda University, Nishi-Waseda Campus, Room 204 of Building 54
*No advance registration is required. - Presenter: Misato OCHIAI
- Affiliation: Waseda Institute for Research in Opera and Music Theatre
- Moderator: Minoru NODA (Waseda University)
- Language: Japanese
- Organized by: Waseda Institute for Research in Opera and Music Theatre (WIROM), Comprehensive Research Organization, Waseda University
Profile of Presenter
Misato Ochiai obtained a doctoral degree in Musicology from Musashino Academia Musicae (Ph.D. in Musicology). She is a Guest Researcher at the Waseda Institute for Research in Opera and Music Theatre (WIROM), Comprehensive Research Organization, Waseda University. Her research focuses on 19th century French opera, with an emphasis on the works of Georges Bizet. In 2025, she served as a navigator, program essay writer, and lyrics translator for the Tokyo-HARUSAI Discovery Series vol.11, “Georges Bizet: Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of His Death” and as an academic advisor for the performance of L’Arlésienne organized by the Tokyo University of the Arts Performing Art Center as part of the “Geidai Project 2025”.
Registration
Registration is required by January 16th (Fri.) for online participants. Please complete your registration via the provided URL:https://list-waseda-jp.zoom.us/meeting/register/kmERDRomSNq2dDea0lMhPg
*Please show your full name on the display, mute yourself, and turn off the video, except when talking; refrain from taking screenshots, recordings, etc., and follow the moderator’s instructions.
Contact
Waseda Institute for Research in Opera and Music Theatre (WIROM), Comprehensive Research Organization, Waseda University: https://prj-opera-mt.w.waseda.jp/
e-mail address: operaken-uketsuke[at]list.waseda.jp ([at] = @)
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