Sadly, Georges Bizet died at 36, having never enjoyed a major success. He died three months after the premiere of Carmen, which was recieved with indifference. But after his death it was suddenly recognized for the masterpiece it is, and its performance history has been proof of Bizet's genius. The Pearl Fishers gave us one of the great operatic duets, made famous on a recording by Jussi Björling and Robert Merrill. Bizet's charming, youthful Symphony languished until 1935 for its premiere, and it's a delight, revealing the teenage composer's mastery of the orchestra.