Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3 in C Minor "Organ Symphony", Introduction et rondo capriccioso in A Minor & La muse et le poète

Featuring

Michael Stern
Noah Geller
Mark Gibbs
Jan Kraybill
Kansas City Symphony
Camille Saint-Saëns

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Composer Biography

Camille Saint-Saëns was a versatile artist, admired as a pianist and organist, who also wrote poetry, drama, and essays on mathematics and ancient music.

Compositional Technique

Saint-Saëns's 'Organ' Symphony, though divided into two parts, effectively contains the traditional four movements, with the first part serving as an introduction to the Adagio and the scherzo connected to the finale.

Composition History

Saint-Saëns dedicated his Symphony No. 3, known as the 'Organ' Symphony, to Franz Liszt, whom he greatly admired and who had supported his career.

Compositional Technique

The 'Organ' Symphony incorporates both the organ and piano (played à quatre mains in some sections) into the large orchestra, instruments on which both Saint-Saëns and Liszt were virtuosos.

Composition History

Saint-Saëns composed his Symphony No. 3 at age 50, conducting its premiere in London in 1886, and considered it his final symphonic effort, stating he had given all he could.

Composition History

The Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, a popular short piece for violin and orchestra, was composed for the Spanish violinist Pablo de Sarasate when he was only 19 years old.

Compositional Technique

La Muse et le Poète is a late work by Saint-Saëns, combining elements of a double concerto for violin (the Muse) and cello (the Poet) with a symphonic poem.