“Carnival of the Animals” by Saint-Saens

Our private lesson students are becoming composers this summer! As they learn about both famous composers of the past, and influential modern composers, young musicians are finding inspiration to bring their own unique musical voices and ideas to life!

One of Camille Saint-Saens's most famous works is "Carnival of the Animals." Written in 1886 while on vacation, this piece is a suite of 14 movements, each featuring an animal or group of animals (including… pianists!). The piece was meant to be light-hearted and comical, and is written for a symphonic orchestra and piano.

You can listen to each of the Carnival of the Animals movements here:

1 Introduction and Royal March of the Lion

2 Hens and Roosters

3 Swift Animals (Horses)

4 Tortoises

5 The Elephant

6 Kangaroos

7 Aquarium

8 Persons with Long Ears (Donkeys)

9 The Cuckoo in the Depths of the Woods

10 Aviary

11 Pianists (fun fact: this movement is meant to sound like the growth of a young piano player - awkward and not perfect at first, but masterful by the end!)

12 Fossils (fun fact: this movement pokes fun of older melodies, including some of Saint-Saens’ own. Do you recognize any?)

13 The Swan

14 Finale