We have a collection of 32 arrangements for Camille Saint-Saëns - The Swan (from Carnival of the Animals)
Why did Saint-Saëns forbid public performances of Carnival of the Animals during his lifetime? Learn!
"Le Carnaval des Animaux" (The Carnival of the Animals) is a delightful composition by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Here are some interesting facts about this famous piece:
Composition Date: Saint-Saëns composed "Le Carnaval des Animaux" in 1886 while he was on vacation in Austria. He initially intended it to be a humorous work for a private performance.
Dedication: The piece was dedicated to Saint-Saëns' friends, but he chose not to publish it during his lifetime because he felt it might damage his reputation as a serious composer. It was finally published posthumously in 1922.
Movements: "Le Carnaval des Animaux" consists of 14 movements, each representing a different animal. Some of the notable movements include "The Swan," "The Elephant," and "Fossils."
The Swan: "The Swan" is one of the most famous and beautiful movements in the piece. It is scored for cello and piano and is often performed as a standalone piece. It's a serene and elegant portrayal of a swan gliding on water.
Musical Humor: Saint-Saëns used musical humor throughout the composition, often poking fun at himself and his contemporaries. For instance, the movement "Pianists" mimics the repetitive and sometimes flashy style of pianists of the time.
The Tortoise: The movement "Tortoises" is known for its slow tempo, reflecting the sluggish movement of tortoises. It features a melody from Jacques Offenbach's "Can-Can" as a playful reference.
Rare Performances: Because Saint-Saëns did not want "Le Carnaval des Animaux" to overshadow his more serious works, he requested that it only be performed in private or among close friends during his lifetime. As a result, public performances were rare until after his death.
Fossils: The movement "Fossils" incorporates various musical quotations from other composers, including a humorous use of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and the "March of the Lions" theme played on xylophone.
Zoological Suite: Saint-Saëns' composition features a wide variety of animals, from lions and kangaroos to fossils and pianists. It's a musical menagerie that captures the essence of each creature.
Recognition: Despite Saint-Saëns' initial reservations, "Le Carnaval des Animaux" has become one of his most popular and beloved compositions, cherished for its wit and charm. It's often performed in concert halls around the world and enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
"Le Carnaval des Animaux" remains a delightful and whimsical masterpiece in the classical music repertoire, showcasing Saint-Saëns' playful side as a composer.