Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals for Solo Violoncello

Camille Saint-Saens (1835-1921) composed Carnival of the Animals. A Grand Zoological Fantasy, in 1886. It was performed privately at that time as a chamber music work for two pianos, string quintet, flute, clarinet, and xylophone. It was not released to the public until his death, when it was published in 1922.

This abridged version is designed primarily to be part of a demonstration for children in a classroom setting. Some movements may be omitted. The performer may announce the title of each movement, possibly adding a descriptive phrase.

This arrangement for violoncello is dedicated to the memory of Jonathan May (1958-2010),cellist, conductor, teacher, and extraordinary music educator.