Paris-born Charles Camille Saint-Saëns was a well-known composer In the nineteenth century and he was also well-known as a virtuoso pianist; ranked alongside giants such as Liszt, Clara Schumann, Pugno, Pachmann, Planté, Grieg and Rubinstein.

Camille Saint-Saens was a fascinating figure. As well as a great virtuoso of the piano, he was a celebrated organist, cofounder of the Nationale de Musique, professor of music paying for students’ trips to the Wagner Festivals in Bayreuth and Liszt enthusiast, he was almost a Classicist in his composition and a genius of form.

Very little is written about this obscure work. Unlike the bulk of his compositions, this score (originally published as "Romance sans paroles" in 1871) has no opus designation.

Although this piece was originally composed for Piano (and variations thereof), I created this Interpretation for Viola & Piano.