Saint-Saens' 2nd Symphony: Hidden Character

Camille Saint-Saens wasn't a reserved person. If he didn't like something, he'd make sure people knew about it. As well as being a prolific composer he was also a music critic, and so naturally, he made a few enemies. It is perhaps because of this that some of his work has gone relatively unappreciated, as unfavourable reviews tend to only earn unfavourable reviews in return.

However, clearly, a lot of his work is very well loved (his 3rd Symphony, Carnival of the Animals, Danse Macabre, Allegro Appassionato, just to name a few) and so he clearly has a lot of merit as a composer. I think that while he may have been rather outspoken, it's a shame that his second symphony, which is so full of character, has remained relatively hidden.

However, when I talk about 'Hidden Character' in terms of this symphony, I think it goes beyond this somewhat. I think this is the sort of piece that you notice the quirks and real personality of on repeated listens. One thing that really helped me to get to grips with it was to view it through a 'Tchaikovskian' lense rather than a 'Beethovenian' one, as you might first do. There is oodles of character hidden away in the music here, on melodic and rhythmic levels as well as inter-instrumental ones, whilst still often adhering to classical structural and counterpoint rules. I don't know how he does it, but with exciting and very natural sounding music like this it could be supposed that it was no less than a spark of musical genius.

The first movement teases us with a slow (and relatively sassy) introduction before moving towards a fugato main section, with absolutely mental string semiquavers as the main subject of the movement is explored. The second offers a complete contrast - something much more slow, sensitive and delicate yet also very emotional. The third movement re-ignites the furious mood of the first in it's minuet section - and its trio presents a heartwarming off-beat oboe solo. The fourth is nothing short of cheeky, and presents a culmination of themes heard elsewhere in the symphony. Just before, that teasing mood from right at the beginning of the symphony returns, only to propel us back into the musical whirlwind to close.

This is very interesting music, as it's enjoyable on both a surface and analytical level. If the aim of this blog is to shed some light on underrated pieces, then I've certainly hit upon the right subject matter, whether or not any light has indeed been shed is up to you, but I think the best way to do this is by listening to it.



It's not a very long symphony at all, but I think it does contain a lot to sink your teeth into. I hope you enjoy it!