Saint-Saëns was a great adventurer, and his travels abroad inspired several of his musical compositions. He published books and articles on his journeys, on music, on philosophy, and on literary subjects. His profound interest in the animal world found expression in his book Observations d’un ami des animaux (Observations of an Animal Lover) and in the zoological fantasy that would become world-famous, Le Carnaval des Animaux (The Carnival of the Animals).

Originally, this composition was a musical jest that he wrote to entertain a circle of Parisian artists. The composer did not wish the work to be made public, as several of its movements are musical parodies in which Saint-Saëns caricatured celebrated composers. One piece, however, was published during his lifetime: the now-famous “Cygne (Swan).” Saint-Saëns did not object to complete performances of the work after his death, and it consequently achieved widespread recognition with remarkable speed.

Today, The Carnival of the Animals speaks as readily to seasoned music lovers as it does to younger audiences. Young and old alike will succumb to the majesty of the Swan and the enchantment of the Aquarium; they will delight in the bounding Kangaroos and the hesitant scales of beginner pianists, while recognizing a number of familiar nursery tunes…

Several recordings have come to be regarded as benchmarks, and French conductors naturally occupy a prominent place in the discography. Serge Baudo’s interpretation, overshadowed by those of Prêtre and Dutoit, is nevertheless a model of balance: the exquisite sonorities of the Orchestre de Paris, satire that is never heavy-handed, and a touch of seriousness without ever slipping into academicism. Its exuberance is controlled with consummate finesse.

The two world-renowned pianists Ciccolini and Weissenberg further enhance this magnificent cast. This remastering surpasses all previous editions and breathes new life into this undisputed cornerstone of the repertoire. Not only is it musically beyond reproach, but it also becomes a true jewel for the most discerning audiophile.