Saint-Saëns' Hidden Story Behind Carnival of the Animals 🦁

Episode 18 — It’s 1886, and Camille Saint-Saëns is a respected, buttoned-up composer. So why did he write a hilarious suite featuring roaring lions, clucking hens, and a fossilized waltz—then ban it from public performance?

🎭 Carnival of the Animals is a musical joke so good… he didn’t want anyone to hear it. In this animated explainer, we explore why Saint-Saëns tried to hide one of his most imaginative works, how it finally saw the light of day, and what makes it a timeless favorite.

👘 Bonus: He wears a LOT of animal onesies.

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Composer: Camille Saint-Saëns
Work: Le Carnaval des animaux (ed. Durand)
Performer: Renaud Capucon, Gautier Capucon, Emmanuel Pahud, Beatrice Muthelet, Florent Jodelet, Esther Hoppe, Frank Braley, Paul Meyer, Janne Saksala, Michel Dalberto
Year: 2003
Label: Erato
Catalogue No: 5456032

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