Musicology Annotation << Back Listening to «Carmen» by Bizet … (An Experience of Receptive Interpretation) L.A. Kupets In the paper, performed in line with receptive aesthetics, investigates scientific views about Georges Bizet, which functioned in the 20th century in the encyclopedic publications. The analysis of these articles demonstrates the transformation of the image of the composer and his work at the beginning and end of the last century. On the basis of historical and cultural reconstruction of the type of opera listeners in Paris 1860–1870-s proposed a hypothesis on the causes of the failure of the premiere of «Carmen» by Bizet. Key words: Bizet, French opera, Carmen, receptive approach, the listener, encyclopedia. E-mail: lkupets@mail.ru