Camille Saint-Saens

Camille Saint-Saëns (October 9, 1835 – December 16, 1921) was a French composer, organist, conductor and pianist of the Romantic era. He was a child prodigy, and began composing at the age of five. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire, where he won first prize in organ, piano, and composition.

Saint-Saëns was a prolific composer, and wrote over 300 works, including operas, symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and solo piano pieces. He was also a gifted pianist and organist, and gave recitals throughout Europe and the United States.

Saint-Saëns was a controversial figure in his own time. He was a staunch defender of traditional musical forms, and was critical of the more experimental trends in music, such as Impressionism. He was also a vocal critic of Wagner, whom he called "the Antichrist of music."

Despite his controversial views, Saint-Saëns was a respected figure in the musical world. He was a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts, and was awarded the Legion of Honor. He died in Algiers in 1921, at the age of 86.

Saint-Saëns' music is characterized by its technical brilliance, its melodic beauty, and its wit. He was a master of a wide range of musical styles, and his music is often described as eclectic. Some of his most famous works include the opera Samson and Delilah, the Danse macabre, the Organ Symphony, and the Carnival of the Animals.

Saint-Saëns was a major figure in French music, and his music continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.