Norfolk Symphony Orchestra

1. Andante - Allegro; Adagio 2. Allegro - Presto; Maestoso

During the peak of his fame in the 1870s and 1880s, Saint-Saëns enjoyed a lofty reputation as a composer, pianist, writer and teacher. His career at the piano lasted an astonishing seventy-five years, from the age of ten to his last concert just a few months before his death. Saint-Saëns’ importance was dual: as a composer his works were enjoyed throught the world, as an advocate for French music his influence was profound. He created the Société Nationale de Musique, which gave opportunities to several generations of composers including Debussy and Ravel and, as a writer, he addressed a wide range of musical topics, including issues of melody and harmony and the politicisation of music during World War I. The Third Symphony remains, with the Carnival of the Animals, one of his most popular works. By a happy coincidence the symphony, like the Strauss songs, was given its first performance in London albeit sixty-two years before, this time conducted by the composer. Saint-Saëns constructed the music in two large movements both of which include sections of contrasted ideas and emotional content. The first movement, after a short slow introduction, gives way to flowing and rhythmic music before winding down for a slow episode. Here the main theme, played by the strings on a background of gentle organ chords, shines lovingly like sunlight through deep stained glass. The second movement starts with vigour, standing as a traditional symphonic scherzo and trio until a massive chord on the organ signals the start of the finale proper. The authoritative theme, translated and transformed from the symphony's first movement, is heard on the organ and strings in turn, with an extraordinary filigree decoration played by two pianists - a most novel effect. The music is on a grand scale leading to a triumphant conclusion. “I have given everything that I had to give,” declared Saint-Saëns. “What I have done here I shall never do again.”