The Carnival Of The Animals Vii. Aquarium
Introduction
The Carnival of the Animals is a musical suite composed by French composer Camille Saint-Saens. It was created to entertain his friends and was never intended for public performance. However, it became one of his most famous works and is still loved today. The seventh movement of the suite, Aquarium, is particularly popular.
What is Aquarium?
Aquarium is a beautiful and haunting piece that evokes the feeling of being underwater. Saint-Saens uses shimmering strings and delicate, tinkling piano notes to create an atmosphere of mystery and wonder. The music is slow and dreamlike, with a sense of weightlessness that perfectly captures the feeling of floating in water.
The Instruments
Saint-Saens uses a variety of instruments to create the underwater soundscape of Aquarium. The strings are the most prominent, with the violins and cellos playing high, shimmering notes that sound like sunlight filtering through water. The piano provides a delicate counterpoint, with notes that sound like bubbles rising to the surface. The flute and clarinet add a sense of movement and fluidity, while the glockenspiel provides a shimmering, high-pitched sparkle.
The Imagery
Aquarium is often used in films and television shows to evoke an underwater setting. It has been used in documentaries about marine life, as well as in dramatic scenes that take place in aquariums or underwater environments. The music perfectly captures the sense of mystery and wonder that comes with exploring the ocean, and it is easy to imagine schools of fish and other sea creatures swimming gracefully through the water.
The Inspiration
Saint-Saens was inspired to write Aquarium after visiting an aquarium in Paris. He was fascinated by the way the fish swam and moved in the water, and he wanted to capture that feeling in music. The result is a piece that perfectly captures the sense of wonder and awe that comes with exploring the ocean.
The Legacy
Aquarium is one of the most beloved pieces of classical music, and it has been used in a wide variety of settings. It has been used in films like Babe and The Royal Tenenbaums, as well as in commercials for products like perfume and cars. It has also been adapted and remixed by a variety of artists, from electronic musicians to rock bands.
Conclusion
Aquarium is a beautiful and haunting piece of music that perfectly captures the sense of wonder and awe that comes with exploring the ocean. Saint-Saens' use of shimmering strings, delicate piano notes, and fluid woodwinds creates an underwater soundscape that is both dreamlike and evocative. It is no wonder that Aquarium has become one of the most beloved pieces of classical music, and it is sure to be enjoyed for generations to come.
