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SAINT-SAËNS – Adagio (from Symphony No.3, the ‘Organ Symphony’) – 8 CELLOS

Other Identification:
The Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 78, was completed by Camille Saint-Saëns in 1886 at what was probably the artistic peak of his career. It is also popularly known as the Organ Symphony; the composer inscribed it as: Symphonie No. 3 “avec orgue” (with organ).

Of composing the work Saint-Saëns said:
“I gave everything to it I was able to give. What I have here accomplished, I will never achieve again.”

The composer seemed to know it would be his last attempt at the symphonic form, and he wrote the work almost as a type of “history” of his own career: virtuoso piano passages, brilliant orchestral writing characteristic of the Romantic period, and the sound of a pipe organ suitable for a cathedral or the largest of concert halls. The symphony was commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society in England, and the first performance was given in London on 19th May 1886, at St James’s Hall, conducted by the composer.

After the death of his friend Franz Liszt on 31st July 1886, Saint-Saëns dedicated the work to Liszt’s memory. The composer also conducted the symphony’s French premiere in January 1887.

Movements or sections:
The gorgeous opening theme of the Adagio is described by Saint-Saens as “extremely quiet and contemplative”; but it is not always of tranquility; there is reference to the work’s ‘leitmotif’, a ‘Dies Irae’ theme which Saint-Saens describes as “bringing back vague feelings of unrest, augmented by dissonant harmonies”. However, the wonderful romanticism of the Adagio is, however, hardly disturbed.

Instrumentation: OCTET OF EIGHT CELLOS Arranged by David Johnstone

This music is in 3 PDFs:
[1 – General Score
[2 – Cellos 1 to 2
[3 – Cellos 3 to 4
[4 – Cellos 5 to 6
[5 – Cellos 7 to 8

Approximate difficulty:
Quite difficult

The version of David Johnstone, for EIGHT solo cellos (although also possible with cello orchestra) is very complete, incorporating almost everything of interest from the symphonic score. All parts are necessary – indeed VITAL – and this is best suited to professional ensembles or advanced level students!

Dedicatee of this presentation (if applicable):
affectionately dedicated to the cellists of the Basque National Orchestra / Euskadiko Orkestra

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