Le Carnaval des animaux

Although it was intended for an adult audience, Saint-Saëns’ “grand zoological fantasy”, composed after his Symphony No. 3 “with organ”, also appeals to young music lovers. Obviously, youngsters will not yet appreciate that the barnyard is a nod to Rameau, that the tortoises plod to motifs from Orpheus in the Underworld, and that the elephants lumber all over Berlioz, etc. However, with or without these references, young and old alike will be charmed by the majestic swan and the magic of the aquarium, enjoy the leaping kangaroos and the tentative scales of novice pianists, and recognise several fossilised nursery rhymes. “What a beautiful beast is the Carnaval des Animaux!”

Coréalisation Jeanine Roze Production / Théâtre des Champs-Elysées