Work Overview

• Publication Year: 1894
• First Publisher: Durand
• Instrumentation: Two Pianos
• Total Performance Time: Approx. 8 minutes

From 1889 to 1904, Saint-Saëns spent 15 years without a fixed residence, dedicating himself to long stays at resorts and travels around the world. During this period, his prolific creative drive did not wane, and many masterpieces were born. This work is one such example, composed in 1894 in Las Palmas, Canary Islands, a Spanish territory in the Atlantic, and dedicated to Eugène Béguet, an insurance agent with whom Saint-Saëns had a close friendship in Algeria. The premiere took place on November 4, 1894, at the Concerts Colonne in the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, performed by two leading virtuosos of the time, Louis Diémer and Edouard Risler. An arrangement for piano four-hands by A. Benfeld (published in 1895) also exists.

This work is in a free form. It displays a protean musical idea, moving from a quiet opening through dynamic development, with a strong nostalgic atmosphere emerging from the middle section onwards, leading to a gentle conclusion that seems to return to the beginning. It is also interesting to note that the composer, during the creative process, referred to this work as "une petite Africa" (a small Africa) in contrast to his Fantaisie "Africa" (Op. 89). The diverse compositional techniques, including melodies characterized by the Lydian mode, tonal treatment not based on traditional functional harmony, arabesque-like textures organically utilizing both instruments, and thrilling polyrhythms, inevitably heighten an exotic mood. While not programmatic music and maintaining its abstract nature, it seems to possess a breadth of lingering emotion and profound depth that allows for the free imagination of both performers and listeners.