This week, we follow Carmen down a very different alley — the seductive “Seguidilla” from Bizet’s Carmen. Sung just after her arrest, it’s flirty, cunning, and calculated, as she tempts Don José into untying more than just her hands. We sip Cava, Albariño, and Rioja — because it’s set in Spain (even if the opera’s in French, we know, we know) — and ask: is she seducing him… or just singing him stupid?This episode wraps up our first series of Aria Listening? — thanks for coming along for the ride! We’ve sipped, ranted, swooned, and occasionally spiralled… and we’re already plotting more arias for next time. Think duets, trios, ensembles — we’re open to suggestions. As always, it’s all about listening to great opera, and having a bloody good time doing it. Stay tuned.

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