Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Camille Saint-Saëns with this captivating album, released on February 5, 2007, under Warner Classics. This collection is a treasure trove of Saint-Saëns' most celebrated works, spanning a diverse range of compositions that showcase his genius and versatility.
The album opens with the hauntingly beautiful "Danse macabre," a tone poem that vividly depicts the dance of the dead at midnight on Halloween. Following this, you'll be treated to the whimsical and delightful "Le carnaval des animaux" (The Carnival of the Animals), a suite of fourteen movements that bring to life a menagerie of creatures, from the majestic lion to the graceful swan.
The album also features Saint-Saëns' monumental "Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 78," known as the "Organ Symphony" for its prominent use of the organ. This powerful and dramatic work is a testament to Saint-Saëns' mastery of orchestration and his ability to evoke profound emotions.
Lastly, the album concludes with the fiery and passionate "Bacchanale" from the opera "Samson et Dalila," a piece that is sure to leave you breathless.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to the world of Camille Saint-Saëns and a delightful journey through some of his most beloved works. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Saint-Saëns: Danse macabre, Op. 40Camille Saint-Saëns, Louis Frémaux, Felix Kok, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Le carnaval des animaux, R 125: I. Introduction et marche royale du lionCamille Saint-Saëns, Louis Frémaux, Brenda Lucas, John Ogdon, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Le carnaval des animaux, R 125: II. Poules et coqsCamille Saint-Saëns, Louis Frémaux, Brenda Lucas, John Ogdon, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Le carnaval des animaux, R 125: III. HémionesCamille Saint-Saëns, John Ogdon
Saint-Saëns: Le carnaval des animaux, R 125: IV. TortuesCamille Saint-Saëns, Louis Frémaux, Brenda Lucas, John Ogdon, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Le carnaval des animaux, R 125: V. L'éléphantCamille Saint-Saëns, Louis Frémaux, Brenda Lucas, John Ogdon, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Le carnaval des animaux, R 125: VI. KangourousCamille Saint-Saëns, John Ogdon
Saint-Saëns: Le carnaval des animaux, R 125: VII. AquariumCamille Saint-Saëns, Louis Frémaux, Brenda Lucas, John Ogdon, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Le carnaval des animaux, R 125: VIII. Personnages à longues oreillesCamille Saint-Saëns, Louis Frémaux, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Le carnaval des animaux, R 125: IX. Le coucou au fond des boisCamille Saint-Saëns, Louis Frémaux, Brenda Lucas, John Ogdon, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Le carnaval des animaux, R 125: X. VolièreCamille Saint-Saëns, Louis Frémaux, Anthony Moroney, Brenda Lucas, John Ogdon, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Le carnaval des animaux, R 125: XI. PianistesCamille Saint-Saëns, Louis Frémaux, Brenda Lucas, John Ogdon, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Le carnaval des animaux, R 125: XII. FossilesCamille Saint-Saëns, Louis Frémaux, Brenda Lucas, John Ogdon, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Le carnaval des animaux, R 125: XIII. Le cygneCamille Saint-Saëns, John Ogdon, Brenda Lucas, Hilary Robinson
Saint-Saëns: Le carnaval des animaux, R 125: XIV. FinaleCamille Saint-Saëns, Louis Frémaux, Brenda Lucas, John Ogdon, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Allegro appassionato in B Minor, Op. 43 (Orchestral Version)Camille Saint-Saëns, Paul Tortelier, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Louis Frémaux
Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 78 "Organ Symphony": I. (a) Adagio - Allegro moderatoCamille Saint-Saëns, Louis Frémaux, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 78 "Organ Symphony": I. (b) Poco adagioCamille Saint-Saëns, Louis Frémaux, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 78 "Organ Symphony": II. (a) Allegro moderato - PrestoCamille Saint-Saëns, Louis Frémaux, John Ogdon, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 78 "Organ Symphony": II. (b) Maestoso - AllegroCamille Saint-Saëns, Louis Frémaux, Christopher Robinson, John Ogdon, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act III, Scene 2: BacchanaleCamille Saint-Saëns, Georges Prêtre, Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris