On the Execution of Music, and Principally of Ancient Music (ePub)

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) was a multifaceted French composer, organist, conductor, and pianist, who is often remembered for his contributions to the Romantic music era. A prodigious child, Saint-Saëns exhibited exceptional musical talent from a very young age, and he matured into a prolific composer who enriched the world with a diverse body of work, including operas, symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. His scholarly pursuits extended beyond composition; Saint-Saëns was also a dedicated musicologist and writer, deeply invested in the study and performance of both contemporary and ancient music. His writing, 'On the Execution of Music, and Principally of Ancient Music,' reflects his profound understanding of performance practice and historical musicology, and it offers insights into his aesthetic sensibilities and pedagogical approaches. Although Saint-Saëns is best recognized for popular works such as 'Carnival of the Animals' and 'Danse Macabre,' his written legacy provides a lens through which to appreciate his intellectualism and his commitment to the integrity of musical execution. His impact on French music was substantial, and he remains celebrated for his role in reviving interest in older forms of music, such as the music of Bach and Handel, as well as for his influence on the younger generation of composers that followed.