Georges Bizet Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Prelude from the opera “Carmen”Georges Bizet1rank/position

From the opera Carmen: 'Prelude' by Bizet (piano four hands)

Carmen is one of the most famous operas in the world.

This time, I recommend the Prelude from the opera Carmen.

The piece as a whole has an energetic feel.

Whether you are playing the accompaniment or the main melody, you must internalize the rhythm thoroughly; otherwise, the performance can quickly fall apart.

It’s important to practice carefully with a metronome.

Since it’s a crowd-pleasing piece, consider it as a candidate for a recital.

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Ryo

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Suite “L’Arlésienne”Georges Bizet2rank/position

Bizet: L'Arlésienne – complete suites / all movements

Bizet’s L’Arlésienne was composed as incidental music and is ideal as background music for work or study.

This suite was written by Bizet in 1872 to accompany Daudet’s short story of the same name.

It has also been used in commercials for ice cream and energy drinks.

The suite consists of 27 pieces in total, but orchestras customarily select a few of them to perform.

Its straightforward, unadorned writing lets you enjoy simple music that conveys a gentle, heartwarming atmosphere and offers a soothing quality.

Famous numbers include the Farandole and the Minuet—you’ve probably heard them at least once.

Since the suite has a wide range of moods, it’s perfectly fine to keep repeating only the pieces you like!

HabaneraGeorges Bizet3rank/position

Bizet, Carmen: “Habanera” — Maria Callas

The French opera developed by Gounod and others opened up a new frontier with Bizet’s Carmen.

The Habanera is one of the numbers in Carmen.

A form of French opera that includes spoken dialogue in addition to singing is called “opéra comique,” and Carmen is one of them.

‘Toreador Song’ from Carmen Suite No. 2Georges Bizet4rank/position

Bizet: From Carmen Suite No. 2, "Toreador Song"

The “Toreador Song” from Act II of Georges Bizet’s French-language opera Carmen.

It’s one of the most striking numbers in the opera, sung triumphantly by the bullfighter Escamillo, who has captivated Carmen, a Gypsy woman carefree in love.

Because its melody has often been used in commercials and parody versions, it’s likely one of those famous pieces known even to people who don’t usually listen to classical music.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Children’s Games, No. 2: “The Spinning Top”Georges Bizet5rank/position

Bizet: Top (Koma/Spinning Top) Op. 22-2 [Performance Score]

Children’s Games, Op.

22 is a gem of a piano four-hands collection by Georges Bizet, a master of French Romantic music.

Though he lived only 36 years, creating numerous masterpieces including Carmen, this set also showcases his rich sensitivity and melodic gift to the fullest.

Its twelve miniatures depict scenes of children’s innocent play and, through performance, are sure to draw adults into a childlike mood as well.

In particular, No.

2, The Top, is striking for its figuration that evokes the lively spinning of a toy top—a piece that lets us share the happy memories of childhood through music.

Minuet from ‘L’Arlésienne’Georges Bizet6rank/position

G. Bizet / Minuet from L'Arlésienne

An elegant piece by Georges Bizet, a composer emblematic of French Romanticism.

The brilliant melodies of flute and harp evoke the graceful ambiance of the southern French countryside.

Its calming character makes it perfect for a morning listen.

Originally composed as incidental music for a play, it was later arranged for concert performance.

It’s also interesting that it was composed in a short period in 1872.

Highly recommended for those who want to start their day pleasantly with classical music.

L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2: FarandoleGeorges Bizet7rank/position

[Vasily Petrenko] Georges Bizet: Farandole, from “L’Arlésienne” Suite

This is a powerful piece based on a traditional festive dance from the Provence region of France.

It also incorporates local Christmas carols, achieving a splendid fusion of brilliant, majestic melodies and vibrant, dynamic rhythms.

Georges Bizet’s incidental music for the play “L’Arlésienne,” premiered at the Théâtre du Vaudeville in Paris in October 1872, ended after 21 performances; however, this work was later published in 1879 as part of a suite compiled by his friend Ernest Guiraud.

It’s a familiar piece that was also used in Disney’s educational series “Little Einsteins,” making it a perfect choice as background music for sports day marches or during competitions.

With its sense of drive and exhilaration, it’s an energetic tune that naturally makes you want to move.