Listener's Guide to Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-saens - Music History Crash Course

Written in 1886, the Carnival of the Animals is a humorous piece by french composer Camille Saint-saens. The piece is made up of 14 different movements which represent different animals including lions, chickens, donkeys, tortoises, elephants, kangaroos, swans and many more. Each of the different animals are portrayed by different instruments in the ensemble. The piece is written for 2 pianos, 2 violins, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, xylophone, and glass harmonica. The glass harmonica isn't well known today and is usually substituted with a glockenspiel.
Throughout the piece Saint-saens uses his wit and humor to use the music in unexpected ways that have made audiences love it for all these years. This piece is a perennial favorite for children's concerts because it introduces instruments in an easy an engaging way. I hope you enjoy.

"Carnival of the Animals"
By: Camille Saint-saens
Performed by: Victor Aller, Harry Sukman, Arthur Gleghorn, Eleanor Aller, Concert Arts Orchestra, Felix Slatkin
Courtesy of Naxos of America

More from Saint-saens
Symphony no.3, Organ Symphony - Sinfonia Rotterdam/Van Alphen    • Saint Saëns Symphony no.3, Organ Symp...  

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