Carmen is a French opera by Georges Bizet (1838-1875), inspired by a shortstory by Prosper Mérimée. It premiered in 1875 at the Opéra Comique but it was not successful which saddened the composer. Bizet was greatfully avenged after his death as Carmen became one of the most performed operas in the world. The "Habanera" is a dance style, caracteristic of Carmen's most famous air "L'Amour est un oiseau rebelle" (Love is a rebellious bird).