Topmusicanswers
- What is the form of The Swan from Carnival of the Animals?
- Why did Saint-Saëns write Carnival of the Animals?
- Which animals are in Carnival of the Animals?
- What is the most famous piece from Carnival of the Animals?
What is the form of The Swan from Carnival of the Animals?
Le cygne, pronounced [lə siɲ], or The Swan, is the 13th and penultimate movement of The Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns. Originally scored for solo cello accompanied by two pianos, it has been arranged and transcribed for many instruments but remains best known as a cello solo.
Why did Saint-Saëns write Carnival of the Animals?
The Carnival of the Animals, composed in 1886, was originally written as a joke and Saint-Saëns worried that it might damage his reputation. He banned complete performances and only allowed one movement, The Swan, to be published while he was alive.
Which animals are in Carnival of the Animals?
The Carnival of the Animals Movements
| I. | Introduction et marche royale du lion (Introduction and Royal March of the Lion) |
|---|---|
| III. | Hémiones (animaux véloces) (Wild Asses: Swift Animals) |
| IV. | Tortues (Tortoises) |
| V. | L'éléphant (The Elephant) |
| VI. | Kangourous (Kangaroos) |
What is the most famous piece from Carnival of the Animals?
Perhaps the most famous of all Saint-Saens' animals, The Swan was the only movement he allowed to be published while he was alive and in 1887 it was arranged for cello and solo piano.
