Camille Saint-Saens was born in Paris, France. He began to play piano at the age of 2, wrote his first compositions at the age of 3, and first performed in public at the age of 5. Many thought he was destined to become the next Mozart. At one time he claimed to be able to play any of Beethoven’s 32 sonatas from memory. He composed quickly and easily, and his first symphony was performed when he was 18. Saint-Saens is most well known for Danse Macabre, a spooky piece about Halloween night, and Carnival of the Animals which was composed as a musical joke. Saint-Saens never meant for Carnival to be published because he was afraid that he wouldn’t be taken seriously as a composer. It is now one of his most performed works.
Learn more about Saint-Saens and his music on these websites:
Watch videos from Carnival of the Animals
Watch a performance of Danse Macabre
Watch a Danse Macabre Listening map:
Watch a full performance of the Carnival:
The Carnival with zoo animals:
Pine Glen Music Blog 