Composer

:

Camille Saint-Saëns

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1906

Publication Date

:

1988

Average_duration

:

10:49

Fantaisie is a solo piano piece composed by Camille Saint-Saëns in 1894. It was premiered on January 23, 1895, by the composer himself at a concert of the Société Nationale de Musique in Paris. The piece is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 12 minutes. The first movement, marked Andante, begins with a lyrical melody in the right hand accompanied by arpeggiated chords in the left hand. The melody is then repeated with variations and embellishments, showcasing Saint-Saëns' virtuosic piano writing. The middle section of the movement features a more agitated and dramatic theme, which is then developed and combined with the initial melody in the final section. The second movement, marked Allegro molto, is a scherzo in 6/8 time. It is characterized by its playful and light-hearted nature, with rapid runs and arpeggios in both hands. The middle section of the movement features a more lyrical and expressive theme, which is then followed by a return to the scherzo material. The final movement, marked Molto allegro, is a virtuosic tour-de-force for the pianist. It begins with a fast and energetic theme in octaves, which is then developed and expanded upon with rapid runs and arpeggios. The middle section of the movement features a more lyrical and expressive theme, which is then followed by a return to the opening material. The piece ends with a brilliant coda, showcasing the pianist's technical prowess. Overall, Fantaisie is a showcase of Saint-Saëns' virtuosic piano writing and his ability to create memorable melodies and themes. The piece is characterized by its lyrical and expressive nature, as well as its playful and virtuosic elements. It remains a popular and frequently performed work in the piano repertoire.

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