Camille Saint-Saens

 

October 9, 1835 Ð December 16, 1921

 

     Saint-Saens was born in Paris, France.  He was a musical prodigy and started taking piano lessons before the age of 3; when he was 5 years old he could already play opera music.  He was a brilliant student at the Paris Conservatory and composed his first symphony at the age of 16.

 

     Saint-Saens became a great organist, pianist, and teacher, and one of 

FranceÕs favorite composers. Some of his best-known pieces include:

 

Danse Macabre (often played around Halloween)

 

Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, a brilliant solo for violin and orchestra

 

Carnival of the Animals, a collection of musical descriptions

of such animals as tortoises, an elephant, kangaroos, and Ð the

most famous Ð a swan.

 

 

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