| Carmen Fantasy | |
| Type: | Fantasy |
| Composer: | Pablo de Sarasate |
| Image Upright: | 0.8 |
| Opus: | 25 |
| Movements: | 5 |
| Scoring: | Violin and piano or orchestra |
The Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25, by Pablo de Sarasate is a fantasy on themes from Bizet's Carmen for violin and piano or orchestra, composed in 1881. A version with piano accompaniment was published in 1882. It was dedicated to Joseph Hellmesberger.
The piece contains an adaptation of the Aragonaise, Habanera, an interlude, Seguidilla, and the Gypsy Dance. Sarasate chose specifically the music with a Spanish character. A performance takes approximately 12 minutes.
The Carmen Fantasy is one of Sarasate's best-known works and is often performed in violin competitions. Because of its delicate techniques and sanguineous passion inspired by the opera, it is considered to be one of the most challenging and technically demanding pieces for the violin.
The work consists of five movements.
The orchestral version is scored for piccolo and 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani, tambourine, harp and strings. There is also an adaptation of the Carmen Fantasy with piano accompaniment.