Because he wanted to be considered a composer of serious, substantial music, Camille Saint-Saens​ (1835-1921)​ suppressed his “Carnival of the Animals” shortly after its premiere in​ ​1886, disallowing any execution of the ​ whole​ suite​.

This one movement that he allowed to be published in his lifetime was a welcome addition to pieces written for the cello​. However​, the whole “zoological fantasy” is a most successful example of humorously themed music in the classical ​repertoire and has become, with full right, one of the composer's most popular works.

In this arrangement, the famous floating melody is shared between the three flutes ​,​​ with the ​alto and ​bass ​ flutes​ ​providing a​ smooth ​foundation.

Listen

Performed by the Quintessenz ensemble.