Camille Saint-Saëns, photograph Photo: Nadar, Public Domain
French composer Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) was not only a virtuoso keyboard player and composer, but also a conductor, caricaturist, philosopher, and writer of everything from plays to poetry to essays on mathematical and scientific subjects.
William Dart admits that he’s been collecting Saint-Saëns tidbits for years.
In this two part feature: exemplary performances, characterful anecdotes and bizarre interpretations appear cheek by jowl, painting a picture of this most 'Francis of Assisi' of composers.
Music Details for Part 1:
SAINT-SAËNS: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano (Cala CACD 1017)
SAINT-SAËNS: Ave Maria (Ambient 099)
SAINT-SAËNS: Christmas Oratorio (Scandinavian Classics 220550 205)
FINNISSY: Shameful Vice (Decca 458 844)
SAINT-SAËNS: Le Rouet d’Omphale (Sony SK 62036)
SAINT-SAËNS: Tournoiement (Hyperion 66854)
SAINT-SAËNS: Danse Macabre (LRL 1-5007)
SAINT-SAËNS: Carnival of the Animals (Decca 466 673)
SAINT-SAËNS: Carnival of the Animals (EMI 1664482)
SAINT-SAËNS: Carnival of the Animals (Very old LP with no catalogue details)
SAINT-SAËNS: Carnival of the Animals (ABC)
SAINT-SAËNS: Carnival of the Animals (ABC)
SAINT-SAËNS: Carnival of the Animals (Sony 44567)
SAINT-SAËNS: Carnival of the Animals (Sony 44567)
SAINT-SAËNS: Carnival of the Animal (ABC 465 260)
Music Details for Part 2:
SAINT-SAËNS: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano (Cala CACD 1017)
SAINT-SAËNS: Ave Maria (Ambient 099)
SAINT-SAËNS: Christmas Oratorio (Scandinavian Classics 220550 205)
FINNISSY: Shameful Vice (Decca 458 844)
SAINT-SAËNS: Le Rouet d’Omphale (Sony SK 62036)
SAINT-SAËNS: Tournoiement (Hyperion 66854)
SAINT-SAËNS: Danse Macabre (LRL 1-5007)
SAINT-SAËNS: Carnival of the Animals (Decca 466 673)
SAINT-SAËNS: Carnival of the Animals (EMI 1664482)
SAINT-SAËNS: Carnival of the Animals (Very old LP with no catalogue details)
SAINT-SAËNS: Carnival of the Animals (ABC)
SAINT-SAËNS: Carnival of the Animals (ABC)
SAINT-SAËNS: Carnival of the Animals (Sony 44567)
SAINT-SAËNS: Carnival of the Animals (Sony 44567)
SAINT-SAËNS: Carnival of the Animal (ABC 465 260)
