Camille Saint-Saëns A Life
Camille Saint-Saëns A Life by Brian Rees, published by Faber & Faber, Limited in August 2008, is a comprehensive biography that explores the life of the renowned French composer and pianist. This edition spans 512 pages and is presented in English. The book delves into Saint-Saëns’ journey from a child prodigy to an influential figure in the music world, highlighting his acclaimed works such as Carnival of the Animals, Samson et Delila, and the Organ Symphony.
Readers will find a detailed examination of Saint-Saëns’ contributions to music and his role in shaping French musical tastes, as well as insights into his personal life, marked by significant historical events. The biography discusses his relationships with contemporary composers like Fauré and provides a balanced view of his achievements and individuality in music. This edition serves as a valuable resource for those interested in biography and personal memoirs, particularly within the context of music and individual composers.
Official synopsis Publisher
Camille Saint-Saens was a child prodigy who grew to be acclaimed in his lifetime as the incarnation of French genius: a virtuoso pianist, also declared by Liszt to be the world’s greatest organist. His best-known work was the witty Carnival of the Animals, but no less remarkable were the opera Samson et Delila and the Organ Symphony, while the Danse Macabre, Piano Concerto no. 2 and Cello Concerto no. 1 remain much loved.
Saint-Saens championed up-and-coming French composers, notably Faure, and played a unique part in transforming his country’s musical taste. His personal life was dramatic: a boy during the Revolution of 1848, he served as a National Guard in the War of 1870, eventually becoming something of an icon of the Third Republic.
‘Lucid and thorough… Adroitly balancing varying opinions about Saint-Saens’ life and work, Rees presents an even-handed assessment of his achievements, examining the music in detail and demonstrating that it is imbued with individuality.’ Publishers Weekly
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