Der Karneval der Tiere

In the organizer's words:

Ballet by Bjarte Emil Wedervang Bruland | Music by Camille Saint-Saëns (The Carnival of the Animals, Grande fantaisie zoologique, Suite for chamber orchestra)

Duration: approx. 45 minutes | No intermission | 4-6 years

"The Carnival of the Animals" is probably the best-known work by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns, who was already legendary during his lifetime. Composed for chamber orchestra and two pianos and initially not explicitly intended for children, the composer succeeded in creating an impressive work with a special charm. Camille Saint-Saëns loved musical fun. In the 14 pieces of music, he was less interested in depicting animals than in exploring the music of his time. The "Carnival of the Animals" can therefore also be described as a "masquerade" in which the composer humorously quotes his contemporaries and himself. In addition to various mammals, birds, reptiles and fish, the animals portrayed ironically include fossils and pianists, and there are numerous quotations and allusions to his own works and those of his contemporaries. The composer only allowed three performances during his lifetime. He only released the "Swan" for the famous prima ballerina Anna Pavlova, which became world-famous under the title "The Dying Swan". After the composer's death, "The Carnival of the Animals" conquered the world's concert halls and the hearts of audiences young and old.