Camille Saint-Saëns

Fantaisie No. 1 (1857)

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921), while most well-known for his chamber and orchestral works, also composed much for the organ, having himself been appointed organist at both Saint Merri (1853-1857) and Madeleine (1857-1877), the latter post he held for 20 years. He is one of the 19th century's most important composers and performers for the organ, counted together with other greats such as Gigout, Guilmant, and Widor. A still youthful Saint-Saëns wrote the, at times, both warmly light-hearted and formally serious FANTAISIE No. 1 in E-flat Major for organ in 1857.