Presents
Georges Bizet
Petit mari, petite femme for String Octet
For 3 Violins, 2 Violas, Cello & 2 Basses or 2 Cellos & Bass
Georges Bizet (1838-1875), best known for his operas, achieved lasting fame for his opera Carmen. He was a superb pianist who could have had a career as a touring virtuoso had he so chosen, but instead devoted himself to composing. His Jeux d'enfants ("Children's Games") Op. 22, is consists of twelve miniatures composed for piano four hands in 1871. At the request of his publisher Durand, he took five of these pieces and created a suite. Some of the pieces were for full orchestra but Petit mari, Petite femme (Little husband, little wife) was only intended for eight strings: specifically 1 first violin, 2 second violins divisi, 2 violas divisi, 1 cello and 2 basses divisi. Unfortunately, Bizet’s publisher Durand wrote violins and cellos thus giving the impression that the work was to played by a string orchestra. As such it loses its wonderful sense of intimacy that one hears with just the eight strings.
Petit mari, petite femme (Little husband, little wife sometimes translated as Playing House), is the eleventh piece of Jeux d’enfants. Our edition for eight strings maintains the works original mood. A second cello can be used, if desired in place of Bass I. Our edition is the composer's own.
Parts: $15.95
Parts & Score: $19.95
