Symphony No.3, Op.78

• English
• Nederlands
• Français

Camille Saint-Saëns' Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 78, commonly known as the "Organ Symphony," is one of his most famous and ambitious works.
Composed in 1886, it stands out due to its incorporation of the pipe organ, a rare feature in symphonies, which lends a monumental and majestic sound to the orchestral texture.

Saint-Saëns, a highly accomplished organist himself, wrote the piece for a commission from the Royal Philharmonic Society in London and dedicated it to his close friend and mentor, Franz Liszt, who passed away shortly before its completion.
The symphony blends traditional symphonic forms with innovative orchestration and harmonic structures, making it a unique bridge between the Romantic and early modern periods.

The symphony is structured in two main parts, each divided into two movements, with the organ playing a central role in the second and in the dramatic final fourth section.

Despite its complex design, the symphony maintains an emotional depth and accessibility that has made it a concert hall favourite.
Interestingly, Saint-Saëns once remarked that he had put everything he knew into this symphony, which explains its richness in both technique and expression.

The work's grandeur, with the soaring organ melodies, represents not only the height of Saint-Saëns' orchestral skill but also a tribute to the legacy of Liszt and the Romantic era.

Anecdote

A famous anecdote about Saint-Saëns' Organ Symphony involves the composer’s reaction to the immense success of its premiere.
After conducting the first performance in London in 1886, Saint-Saëns was met with thunderous applause that lasted several minutes.

Despite the enthusiastic reception, Saint-Saëns, known for his modesty and professionalism, downplayed the excitement.
When asked how he felt about the overwhelming ovation, he simply remarked, "I gave everything to it I was able to give. What I have here, I will never achieve again."

This statement reflects both his satisfaction with the work and a sense of finality in his symphonic writing.
Indeed, the Organ Symphony would be his last symphony, but it became one of the most enduring pieces of his legacy, beloved by audiences and musicians alike for its power, complexity, and beauty.

And another Synchestra related anecdote: this work is at the very core of the genesis of Synchestra, on 12 April 2004, when our Founder played this work for the first time with a digital orchestra on the organ of the Brussels Cathedral.
For that reason, the work has serial number SO 0001 in Synchestra's portfolio!