Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)

Camille Saint-Saëns was a French composer who lived in the mid-19th century (1835 - 1921). One of the orchestral exercises Saint-Saëns wrote for his students in 1886 was The Carnival of the Animals (Le Carnaval des Animaux). Over the years, this piece for two pianos and orchestra (subtitled "a grand zoological fantasy"), has become one of the composer's most famous works. From lions to tortoises to elephants and swans, Saint-Saëns characterizes each animal through music that reveals specific characteristics and behaviors of that animal. For example, a serene melody for the cello simulates the slow, majestic movement of the swan.  As we read about and listen to the Carnival of the Animals, we learn about different instruments of the orchestra. Learn more about Camille Saint-Saëns and the music he wrote by visiting the following web sites: