Georges Bizet

Carmen is a spectacular piece of music and opera. I first heard it on the soundtrack for the Bad News Bears (1976). I more recently heard it as part of Carmen - A Hip Hopera (2001). I really enjoyed both movies.

I'm delighted that my kids love Bizet's music as part of the Little Einsteins. So far it has been featured in 4 episodes!

Les Toreadors in 1-05 Pirates Treasure

L'Arlesienne No. 2: "Farandole" in 1-09 Go West, Young Train

L'Arlesienne No. 2: "Farandole" in 1-12 Annie’s Solo Mission

Les Toreadors in 1-17 Jump for Joey

Although I am familiar with Carmen, I never heard of L'Arlesienne until I heard it with my kids. Here is an overview (source).

L'Arlésienne - (the girl from Arles, in Provence) this was originally composed for a limited group of instruments as incidental music to a play by Daudet, but later fashioned into 2 orchestral suites (including the well-known Farandole), the first suite by Bizet himself and the second after his death by a friend Ernest Guiraud.

Here is my favorite rendition of both pieces, and they are similar in tempo to the Little Einsteins versions.


We have this and love it!


I adore Leonard Bernstein but the cymbals seem a little slow for my taste.


This is the movie that matches the soundtrack. Actually, it's a TV show from Canada. I haven't seen it but you can get a full outline from its producers.


This is really fun for teens and adults.