Camille Saint-Saëns

Concerto for Piano No. 5 in F, Op. 103

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) wrote his final piano concerto, Concerto No. 5, Op. 103, in 1896, which debuted that year with the composer himself performing the solo part. It derives its subtitle, "The Egyptian", from a trip to Northern Africa that Saint-Saëns took in the year of its composition. Absorbing a near-eastern musical flavor, the concerto depicts a sea voyage with its glimmering scales and variety of exotic tunes. The evocative second movement, inspired by a Nubian love song, depicts the sights and sounds enjoyed while floating down the Nile. Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2.2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set): Solo Piano. Reprint edition.