Orient et Occident (East and West), Op. 25 – Camille Saint-Saëns (arr. Camille Saint-Saëns)

Orient et Occident (East and West), Op. 25 by Camille Saint-Saëns (arr. Camille Saint-Saëns)

Saint-Saëns originally composed this piece for marching band, specifically to be performed at a gala evening of the Union Central des Beaux-Arts in October of 1869. The purpose of this event was to bring together the artistic talent of the ‘East’ (in this instance referring to North Africa and the Middle East) and the ‘West’ (Europe). The event was held at the Palais de l’Industrie (‘Palace of Industry’), between the River Seine and the Champs-Élysées.

While the piece is not divided into separate movements, there are three distinct sections. The first is the ‘Occident’ (West) characterised by a strong rhythmic march. The next section is the ‘Orient’ (East) characterised by Moorish rhythms over heavy percussive accents. The final section shows the return of the theme for the West with elements of the musical instruments of the East.

Saint-Saëns adapted the work for orchestra the same year, and it is this version you hear now.

This work is comprised of a single movement.