Happy Birthday Saint-Saens!
Today marks the birthday of Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns, a towering figure in the Romantic era of music. Born in Paris in 1835, Saint-Saëns was a child prodigy, demonstrating extraordinary musical talent from a young age. By just two years old, he was able to demonstrate perfect pitch, and at the age of five, he gave his first public performance, accompanying a violin concerto on the piano.
Saint-Saëns pursued formal training at the prestigious Paris Conservatory, where he studied organ and composition. His mastery led him to become the organist at the Church of the Madeleine, the official church of the French Empire. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Saint-Saëns was deeply rooted in the Classical traditions, even as Wagner’s influence loomed large in the music world of his time.
Two of his most celebrated works are The Swan from The Carnival of the Animals and his grand Symphony No. 3 ‘Organ’. Of the latter, Saint-Saëns once said, “I gave everything to it I was able to give… What I have accomplished here, I will never achieve again.” The symphony remains a testament to his genius, seamlessly blending the power of the organ with the full orchestra to create a timeless masterpiece.
Saint-Saëns lived a long, prolific life, passing away at 86 after suffering a heart attack while in Algiers in 1921, following a successful tour of America. He is remembered not only as a brilliant composer but also as a stoic and dedicated artist who left an indelible mark on the world of classical music.