A microcosmic masterpiece in its own right and defined by the composer as an encore piece, Bitten at the Opera is all that and more. Carter Pann may leave us guessing about some of the references in his music and title - yet we do feel the bite, the melodramatic thrill, the references to Carmen, and the drama of the great Italian tragic operas. Parody aside, Bitten at the Opera is a brilliant 4 1/2 minute showpiece full of lyricism and fire, ideal for punctuating a recital. For advanced performers.