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Composition Years and Ages of Saint-Saënsʼ Symphonies

Other Symphonic Works

Saint-Saëns also composed symphonies and symphonic works that were not officially numbered. Here are some examples:

• Symphony in E-flat major
• Year of Composition: 1850
• Age at Composition: 15
• Symphony in F major, "Urbs Roma"
• Year of Composition: 1856
• Age at Composition: 20
• Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
• Although not a symphony, it is known for its symphonic elements.

Throughout his long career, Camille Saint-Saëns composed works in various genres, many of which are still widely performed today. Among his symphonies, the "Organ Symphony" is particularly famous and highly popular.

I asked ChatGPT4o: "Did Saint-Saëns not compose any symphonies between 1859 and 1886?"

Camille Saint-Saëns did not compose any officially numbered symphonies between 1859 and 1886. However, during this period, he composed many other symphonic and orchestral works. Below are some important orchestral works composed during this time:

Orchestral Works

1. Symphonic Poem "Le Rouet dʼOmphale," Op. 31
• Year of Composition: 1871
2. Symphonic Poem "Phaéton," Op. 39
• Year of Composition: 1873
3. Symphonic Poem "Danse macabre," Op. 40
• Year of Composition: 1874
4. Symphonic Poem "La Jeunesse dʼHercule," Op. 50
• Year of Composition: 1877
5. Piano Concerto No. 4 in C minor, Op. 44
• Year of Composition: 1875
6. Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33
• Year of Composition: 1872
7. Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor, Op. 61
• Year of Composition: 1880
8. Suite algérienne, Op. 60
• Year of Composition: 1880

Other Activities

During this period, Saint-Saëns also composed numerous chamber music works, vocal pieces, and operas. He was very active in the French music scene as a conductor and pianist. His compositions span a wide range of genres beyond symphonies.

Thus, it can be said that Saint-Saëns did not neglect symphonies but rather focused on other forms of musical creation during 1859–1886.

I asked ChatGPT4o: "Does that mean Saint-Saëns was more interested in symphonic poems than symphonies during that period?"

Exactly. Between 1859 and 1886, Camille Saint-Saëns showed more interest in symphonic poems than in symphonies, composing many significant symphonic poems. This was largely influenced by musical trends of the time and his own creative desires.

Interest in Symphonic Poems

Saint-Saëns’ symphonic poems demonstrate his interest in expanding musical expressiveness and portraying narratives and emotions through music. Here are some representative works:

1. "Le Rouet dʼOmphale," Op. 31
• Year of Composition: 1871
• A richly narrative work based on Greek mythology.
2. "Phaéton," Op. 39
• Year of Composition: 1873
• A symphonic poem depicting the legend of Phaethon from Greek mythology.
3. "Danse macabre," Op. 40
• Year of Composition: 1874
• A fantastical theme where Death makes skeletons dance.
4. "La Jeunesse dʼHercule," Op. 50
• Year of Composition: 1877
• A work portraying the adventures of Hercules.

Musical Trends of the Time

In the late 19th century, composers like Liszt and Berlioz developed the symphonic poem form, influencing many composers. Symphonic poems, as a form, allowed the musical expression of literary and visual elements, and Saint-Saëns embraced this trend to broaden his musical expression.

Diversified Creative Activity

During this period, Saint-Saëns composed not only symphonic poems but also concertos, chamber music, and vocal works, demonstrating his versatility across various genres.

Conclusion

Between 1859 and 1886, Saint-Saëns focused more on symphonic poems and other musical forms rather than symphonies, leaving behind many important works. His symphonic poems, in particular, remain some of his most significant contributions to music.

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