Camille Saint-Saens Autograph

Profession:
(1835-1921) French late-Romantic composer, organist, conductor, and pianist.

Year of Birth: 1835

Camille Saint-Saëns was a French composer, organist, conductor, and pianist born in Paris on October 9, 1835. He was a child prodigy, showing exceptional musical talent from a very young age. At just three years old, he began playing the piano and composing music.

Saint-Saëns studied at the prestigious Paris Conservatoire and quickly gained a reputation for his virtuosic piano playing and innovative compositions. He was a versatile musician, comfortable in a wide range of musical genres, from symphonies and operas to chamber music and solo piano works.

Throughout his career, Saint-Saëns composed over 300 works, including the popular "Carnival of the Animals" and the opera "Samson and Delilah." He was also known for his technical proficiency as a pianist and organist, earning praise from critics and audiences alike.

Despite his success, Saint-Saëns was often criticized for his conservative musical style, which did not always align with the avant-garde trends of his time. However, his compositions have stood the test of time, and he is now regarded as one of the most important French composers of the 19th century.

In addition to his musical talents, Saint-Saëns was also an accomplished writer and critic, contributing articles to several music journals. He was a dedicated teacher, influencing a new generation of composers and musicians during his time as a professor at the Paris Conservatoire.

Camille Saint-Saëns passed away in Algiers on December 16, 1921, leaving behind a rich legacy of music that continues to be celebrated and performed around the world. His contributions to the classical music canon are still revered to this day, solidifying his place as one of the great composers of the Romantic era.