1. Carmen (1875):
- Bizet's most famous and beloved opera
- Set in Seville, Spain, it tells the story of the passionate and tragic love affair between the free-spirited gypsy woman Carmen and the soldier Don José.
- Known for its vibrant melodies, including the iconic "Habanera" and the "Toreador Song."
2. Les Pêcheurs de Perles (The Pearl Fishers) (1863):
- Bizet's first successful opera
- Set in ancient Ceylon (Sri Lanka), it follows the friendship and rivalry between two pearl fishers, Nadir and Zurga, as they compete for the love of the priestess Leila.
- Features beautiful duets and choruses, including the famous "Au fond du temple saint."
3. La Jolie Fille de Perth (The Fair Maid of Perth) (1867):
- Based on Sir Walter Scott's novel "The Fair Maid of Perth"
- Set in 14th-century Scotland, it tells the tale of Catherine Glover, who becomes involved in a web of love and intrigue.
- Known for its lively Scottish melodies and dramatic ensembles.
4. Djamileh (1872):
- One-act opera that takes place in Egypt
- Explores themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal
- Features exotic melodies that incorporate elements of Middle Eastern music.
5. Don Procopio (1859):
- Bizet's first opera, composed when he was just 21 years old
- A comic opera set in Naples and filled with mistaken identities and amorous entanglements
- Showcases Bizet's early talent for musical comedy.
These operas, particularly Carmen, have left an indelible mark on the world of classical music and continue to be performed and enjoyed by audiences worldwide, solidifying Bizet's status as one of the most prominent opera composers of the Romantic period.