ry romantic character. Act III takes place in a mountain pass. The gypsies appear and begin to set up their camp for a little rest before continuing their journey. The entrance music of the gypsies is sly and mischievous with provided with sequences. Don Jose is struggling with his insubordination to the law but still is infatuated with Carmen. Carmen hints to Jose that she is growing tired of him. Mercedes and Frasquita spread out their cards and Carmen joins them to read their fortunes. The music for Frasquita and Mercedes card scene is rather bubbly and happy for the two gypsies. Frasquita finds love and Mercedes finds wealth. However when Carmen joins in the prediction of the cards the music behind her gets very solemn and chromatic. Her cards see only death. In Carmens aria, she realizes all is hopeless and that the fates are sealed for her and Don Jose. After hearing Carmens fate, Mercedes and Frasquita continue to revel in their own good fortunes of what the cards have in store for them. Then the smugglers and the girls exit leaving Jose to watch over the camp. Micaela emerges from the mountains looking for Jose, he hides when he sees her. It is here that she sings an aria in rounded binary form (Je dis que rien ne mepouvante) about how afraid she is. However, the music is hopeful that she will succeed in her endeavors. Micaela sings about how Carmen is Dangerous but beautiful. Micaela hides after she hears somebody enter. Escamillo has come looking for Carmen. He sings of how he is in love with her and is sure she loves him too. Escamillo now knows that Jose is the one obsessed with Carmen and they start to fight. When Jose is about to conquer, the smugglers appear and stop the fight. Before Escamillo makes his leave he invites the entire group to his next bullfight in Seville, with a special glance at Carmen who seems already dumbstruck with love for him. As Escamillo leaves, Micaela is discovered ...
