Poèmes symphoniques

Description

Although Berlioz and, to a lesser extent, Franck wrote symphonic poems, it is Saint-Saëns who is largely credited with introducing this genre in France. An important orchestral and dramatic palette is used to evoke youthful audacity and the death of Phaethon, the final victory of virtue over pleasure in La Jeunesse d’Hercule, and the punishment of Hercules, spinning wool disguised as a woman in Le Rouet d’Omphale. The memorable Danse macabre is a haunting depiction of death playing the violin on a grave in a cemetery, surrounded by skeletal dancers.