Saint-Saëns - The Swan (Urtext Edition)

Camille Saint-Saëns’s The Swan is arguably his most famous work and the only movement from The Carnival of the Animals that he allowed to be published during his lifetime. Originally composed for cello and two pianos, it has become one of the most beloved lyrical pieces in the cello repertoire and has also found a place among flutists, pianists, and many other instrumentalists.

Because Saint-Saëns himself arranged The Swan for cello and one piano, this edition presents the work in that practical version. The Urtext text is based on the composer’s autograph, with one minor adjustment from the 1887 first edition: the chord in measure 23, beat 4, which is not present in the original Piano 1 part. The second piano part has been omitted for convenience and practicality.

The separate cello part includes fingerings and bowings by the editor.

Well suited for lessons, recitals, auditions, weddings, memorial programs, and short concert selections, The Swan gives cellists an opportunity to develop sustained tone, elegant phrasing, expressive vibrato, bow control, and the long, seamless melodic line central to French Romantic style.

ASTA level: 3