The Carnival of the Animals

Hello, classical music enthusiast! Today we are going to listen to a movement of Camille Saints-Saëns' Le carnaval des animaux, translated as "The Carnival of the Animals."

Le carnaval des animaux

This 25 minute suite was written in 1886 by French composer, Camille Saints-Saëns. The piece has fourteen movements in total, each depicting different animals and other carnival scenes. These include, lions, hens and roosters, donkeys, tortoises, elephants, etc. Though the piece was originally written for an ad hoc ensemble, there are many versions of it performed today.

Kangaroos

Today, we will listen to the sixth movement, "Kangourous." This movement depicts exactly its title: kangaroos. This movement features two pianos that are creating "hopping" chordal patterns. As the chords get higher in pitch, so does the volume. As they go lower, they get softer.

What To Listen For

Click below to hear this fun movement. Listen for the jumpy pattern. Can you imagine kangaroos jumping around? Also pay attention to the volume of the patterns. When it get louder, do you imagine the kangaroos are jumping higher? Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gjNhJ7l7Mk