She sang the Habanera belligerently ... purists fussed at her because she took liberties with the music. Farrar’s popular Carmen lacked the finesse of many of her other roles.

The 'Habanera' from Act I and the 'Toreador Song' from Act II of 'Carmen' are now two of the best ... Listen to how the music begins mysteriously, softly and beguilingly. The melody is played ...