We have a collection of 32 arrangements for Camille Saint-Saëns - Le carnaval des animaux
Why was this humorous musical suite kept private by Saint-Saëns during his lifetime? Learn!
"Le Carnaval des Animaux" (The Carnival of the Animals) is a delightful musical suite composed by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Here are some interesting facts about this famous composition:
Private Performance: Saint-Saëns composed "Le Carnaval des Animaux" in 1886, but he did not allow the piece to be performed publicly during his lifetime. He believed that the work was too frivolous and would damage his reputation as a serious composer. The suite had its first public performance after his death in 1922.
Zoological Inspiration: Each movement of the suite represents a different animal. For example, the first movement, "Introduction and Royal March of the Lion," portrays the majesty of the lion. Other animals depicted in the suite include elephants, kangaroos, aquarium fish, and fossils.
Poke at Fellow Composers: The suite includes a movement titled "Pianists," which humorously imitates the sound of pianists practicing scales. This movement is often seen as a playful jab at some of Saint-Saëns' contemporaries.
The Swan: One of the most famous movements from the suite is "The Swan," which features a lyrical cello solo. This movement is serene and graceful, capturing the elegance of a swan gliding on water.
Instrumentation: Saint-Saëns used a unique combination of instruments in this composition. The suite is scored for two pianos, two violins, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, glass harmonica (a rare instrument that creates sound by rubbing glass rims with wet fingers), and xylophone.
Fossils: The movement titled "Fossils" incorporates musical snippets from other famous compositions, such as the can-can from Offenbach's opera "Orpheus in the Underworld" and the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" from Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker." These musical quotes add an extra layer of humor to the piece.
Posthumous Recognition: Despite Saint-Saëns' initial reservations about the suite, "Le Carnaval des Animaux" has become one of his most popular and enduring works. It is often performed in concert halls around the world and is loved by audiences of all ages for its playful and imaginative musical depiction of animals.