Элла Фрадкина о Эрнесте Гиро, друге композитора Бизе. Автор @muzikoded

An Anecdote About Ernest Guiraud and Jules Massenet

Ella Fradkina recounts an anecdote about Ernest Guiraud, Georges Bizet’s friend, who completed Carmen after Bizet’s death.

After a performance, Jules Massenet—known for his sweet-sounding music and gentle manner—first congratulated Guiraud, then bluntly criticized the work. He said that he loved Guiraud but thought the writing was poor, and that Bizet would have done better.

The anecdote contrasts public politeness with frank artistic judgment, and distinguishes affection for a fellow composer from an honest assessment of their work.

Artistic Ideas

• Guiraud’s role in completing Bizet’s opera Carmen.
• The contrast between Massenet’s sweet musical style and his candid criticism.
• The distinction between personal affection and artistic judgment.

Creators and Contributors

Ella Fradkina, Georges Bizet, Ernest Guiraud, Jules Massenet, Zakharov, and Camille.