Kids, Create Your Own Aviary Inspired by Music!

Hi, kids! Let’s continue our journey to see how music can help us discover more about animals! Last week, we talked about the kangaroo, elephant, and aquarium movements in The Carnival of the Animals, a piece by composer Camille Saint-Saëns (pronounced Cuh MEEL san-SOHN(s) with a hint of an “s” at the end). Ready for … Continued

15 Pieces of Classical Music for Christmas

What would Christmas be without music? For many of us, music is an indelible part of our Christmas memories and traditions. The same has been true for many Christmas-loving classical composers throughout the ages, so it is no surprise that many of them wrote Christmas music of their own. In roughly chronological order from oldest … Continued

Stephen Hough on Saint-Saëns’ "Egyptian" Concerto

This weekend, the Houston Symphony welcomes British pianist, composer, and author Stephen Hough to Jones Hall for performances of French composer Camille Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 5, Egyptian. Recently, I had the chance to ask Mr. Hough a few questions about this concerto. Calvin Dotsey:  How would you describe Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 5 to … Continued

Apocalyptic Vision: The Secret Meaning of Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony

Ever since its London premiere in 1886, Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 (nicknamed “the Organ Symphony” for the prominent role that instrument plays in it) has been one of the most popular symphonies in the repertoire. It is one of those rare works that instantly entered the canon of masterpieces and has remained there ever since. … Continued

Apocalyptic Vision: The Secret Meaning of Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony

Ever since its London premiere in 1886, Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 (nicknamed “the Organ Symphony” for the prominent role that instrument plays in it) has been one of the most popular symphonies in the repertoire. It is one of those rare works that instantly entered the canon of masterpieces and has remained there ever since. … Continued

Q&A with Lise de la Salle

This weekend, the Houston Symphony welcomes acclaimed pianist Lise de la Salle to Jones Hall for performances of Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 2. Recently, I got to ask Lise a few questions about what it’s like to play this masterpiece. Calvin Dotsey: How would you describe Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 to someone who has … Continued

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