Allegro String Ensemble is a chamber string orchestra from California, sometimes appearing as a string quartet and sometimes as a string quintet, recording favorite classical masterpieces exclusively for Lynne Publishing. All performances are 100% live, without the use of computers or electronics, and all recordings are live-in-studio single-take direct recordings. 

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Charles Camille Saint-Saens
October 9, 1835 – December 16, 1921

French composer Charles Camille Saint-Saens is known as one of the greatest organists of his time. He was also a prolific writer, composing over 300 pieces in numerous styles with complete understanding of every genre he attempted. He was well respected, not only for his skill in music, but also in knowledge of botany, geology, astronomy, and literary classics.

Saint-Saens showed talent at an early age. By the time of his first performances, he had committed every Beethoven sonata to memory, and could play each upon request.

He enroled in the venerable Paris Conservatoire, and studied composition. He composed three symphonies while attending there, and was noticed by musical greats of the time.

After leaving school, he taught at the École Niedermeyer, and later served in the Franco-Prussian War. Afterwards, he established the Société Nationale de Musique, which sought to promote a distinctly French form of music.

Saint-Saens’s later years found his style becoming eclipsed by more romantic styles. However, he remained popular abroad, and toured frequently. He died in 1921.

Notable works:
Carnival of the Animals
Cello Concerto # 1 in A Minor
Danse Macabre
Piano Concerto # 2 in G Minor
Symphony # 3 in C Minor
Violin Concerto # 3 in B Minor

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