Saint-Saëns: Danse Macabre; Phaéton; Havanaise etc.

Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Camille Saint-Saëns with this captivating collection of his most celebrated works. Released on January 1, 1981, by Decca Music Group Ltd., this album showcases the versatility and brilliance of one of the most prolific composers of the Romantic era. With a duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes, it offers a rich tapestry of symphonic poems, concertos, and character pieces that highlight Saint-Saëns' mastery of various musical genres.

The album opens with the iconic "Danse Macabre, Op. 40," a symphonic poem that brings to life the eerie dance of the dead at midnight on Halloween. Originally conceived as a song for voice and piano, Saint-Saëns expanded it into a vivid orchestral work that remains one of his most popular compositions. The haunting melody, played on the violin, and the rhythmic ticking of the xylophone create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Other standout pieces include "Phaéton, Op. 39," a dramatic symphonic poem based on the Greek myth of Phaethon, and "Havanaise, Op. 83," a sultry and passionate piece inspired by the rhythms of Havana. The album also features "Le Rouet d'Omphale, Op. 31," a charming character piece, and "Introduction et Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28," a virtuosic showpiece for violin and orchestra.

The performances are brought to life by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by the renowned Charles Dutoit, with Kyung Wha Chung delivering a stunning performance on the violin. This album is a testament to Saint-Saëns' enduring legacy and his ability to captivate audiences with his unique musical voice. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this collection of Saint-Saëns' works is sure to delight and inspire.

Camille Saint-Saëns, born in Paris in 1835, was a multifaceted French composer, organist, conductor, and pianist whose career spanned the Romantic era. Often hailed as one of France's greatest composers, Saint-Saëns' musical prowess was evident from a young age, earning him comparisons to Mozart. His extensive repertoire includes iconic works such as "Danse Macabre," the opera "Samson and Delilah," and the enchanting "The Carnival of the Animals," which features the beloved "The Swan." Saint-Saëns' compositions are celebrated for their technical brilliance and emotional depth, reflecting his eclectic influences and nationalistic tendencies. Beyond music, Saint-Saëns was also deeply interested in botany, geology, astronomy, and the arts, making him a true polymath. His legacy endures through his timeless compositions, which continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

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Tracks

More albums by Camille Saint-Saëns

Forest Murmurs

"Rhapsody in Blue" by Previn

Il était une fois... André Cluytens

"Bruyères" - Quiet Summer Hours

Aldo Ciccolini, lirico spinto - The Centenary Collection

"Sorrowful Reverie" - Focus & Concentration

"Adagio" - Relaxing Piano

"Rêverie" - A Moment of Calm

"Wonderful Classics" - Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune

Une vie pour l'orgue

French Melodies

Swans

"Respiro" - Quiet Summer Hours

Chefs d'oeuvre de la musique classique française

"Chanson de Nuit" - Lullabies for a Relaxing Evening

"060 Classical & Contemporary Masterworks": Iydra

Potpourri

Greatest Violin Works - From Bach & Beethoven to Mendelssohn & Ysaÿe

Alexis Weissenberg: Steel and Soul

"54 Classical Piano Essentials" : Romance

Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 - Schumann, Liszt, Saint-Saëns, Bach, Britten

Meditation - A Summer Fantasy

Great Opera Arias

The Essential Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra

"La fille aux cheveux de lin" - Quiet Summer Hours

"Romance" - Violin Pearls

"La fille aux cheveux de lin" - Debussy, Ravel, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninov, Satie

"Pavane" - Peaceful Meditation

"Wellenspiel" : Piano Evocations from the Golden Age

"Nicht Schnell" - Chopin & Legacy Piano Evocations

The Essential Malmö Symphony Orchestra

The Essential Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra

Saint-Saëns: Works for Cello & Orchestra

"Prelude" - Little Treasures for the Piano

Concert of the Birds

The Essential Orchestre National de Lyon

Zen Classics - Relaxing Music

Music and Grace

"Summer Fairy" - The Power of Music

"Mélodies" - Musique Française

"La tempesta di mare" - Vivaldi, Mozart, Bach, Telemann, Beethoven

Toscanini Edition, vol. 8

The Essential François-Joël Thiollier

The Essential Konstantin Scherbakov

The Remastered Legacy

"79 Great Romantic Classics": Wiener Philharmoniker

The Essential İdil Biret

The Essential Gabriel Schwabe

Relaxing Cello

Scheherazade - The Magic of Music

Relaxing Classics

"Little Suite" - Lullabies for a Relaxing Evening

Contemplation

Classical for Meditation

Classical for Sleep

A Garden After the Rain - Sounds & Fragrances

Feel Good Music

"Iridiscent" - Classical & Contemporary Masterworks

Violin Shadows

"Moment Musical" - Quiet Hours

Stephen Kovacevich & Friends - A Joyful Week in Music

"Music for a While" - Relaxing Melodies

"Melody" - Relaxing Music for a Workday

"The Piano Collection"