Camille Saint Saëns The Carnival Of The Animals Aquarium

Introduction

Camille Saint Saëns was a French composer, pianist, and organist who lived from 1835 to 1921. He was known for his innovative compositions, including "The Carnival of the Animals." In this piece, Saint Saëns used various musical instruments to represent different animals. One of the most popular movements of this piece is "Aquarium," which features a beautiful melody that represents the serene environment of an aquarium.

The Carnival of the Animals

"The Carnival of the Animals" is a musical suite that was composed by Saint Saëns in 1886. The piece was originally written for a private concert, and Saint Saëns did not allow it to be published or performed publicly during his lifetime. It was not until after his death that the piece became popular and widely performed.

The Aquarium Movement

The "Aquarium" movement is the seventh movement of "The Carnival of the Animals." It features a serene and peaceful melody that is played on the glockenspiel and accompanied by a flowing accompaniment in the strings. The music is meant to represent the serene environment of an aquarium, with the delicate movements of the fish and the peacefulness of the water. Aquarium Fish

The Instruments Used

In addition to the glockenspiel and the strings, Saint Saëns also used the flute and the clarinet in the "Aquarium" movement. These instruments are used to create a dreamy and peaceful atmosphere, as if the listener is watching the fish in the aquarium swimming peacefully.

The Impact of "The Carnival of the Animals"

Despite the fact that Saint Saëns did not want "The Carnival of the Animals" to be widely performed, it has become one of his most popular pieces. The "Aquarium" movement in particular has been used in various films, television shows, and advertisements. It has also been arranged for various musical ensembles, from solo piano to full orchestra.

Conclusion

The "Aquarium" movement of "The Carnival of the Animals" is a beautiful and serene piece of music that captures the peacefulness of an aquarium. It is a testament to Saint Saëns' innovative and imaginative approach to music composition, and it continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.