Saint-Saëns - Symphony No 3 in C minor, Op 78 - Järvi

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Camille Saint-Saëns
Symphony No 3 in C minor, Op 78 'Organ'

1 Adagio - Allegro moderato - Poco adagio
2 Allegro moderato - Presto - Maestoso - Allegro

Thierry Escaich, organ

Orchestre de Paris
Paavo Järvi, conductor

Live recording. London, Proms 2013

[perrysmith]

I was 18 years old sitting on the 3rd row of Symphony Hall in Boston when I heard the Boston Symphony conducted by Sir John Barbirolli perform this (I cannot recall the organist). At that first tremendous organ chord i thought I was going to be lifted up and carried into the balcony. I am in my 80's now and this is one of my greatest, happiest memories.

[StripeRich]

Of composing the work, Saint-Saëns said "I gave everything to it I was able to give. What I have here accomplished, I will never achieve again."

[billace]

That smile of satisfaction from Järvi at the very end, knowing they nailed it.

Priceless.

[kjkj]

Went to a performance 45 years ago with my beloved Dad…only seen him with tears in his eyes twice. This was one of those times. I miss him ever so.

[eedeee]

Saint-Saëns, you are truly a genius. This piece is a gift to humanity.

[omgreeces]

My parents used this as their wedding procession, my mom came down the aisle when the organ kicks in at 29:28. I was 4 years old when they were married and still remember that exact moment. A beautiful piece of music that I hold dear.

[carrollntammysmith]

Am 70 years old, have LOVED classical music since I was in the 3rd grade. There are some pieces that are so stirring, that bring forth so many emotions - Saint-Saen's "Organ" symphony, to me, has no peer in that respect. I am as moved by it today at 70 as I was 40 years ago when I first heard it. If this piece doesn't light your fire, I submit that your heart & soul must be water-logged!

[joncheskin]

When the organ comes in, it is like God is listening to the symphony and decides to sing along. Awesome!

[memymomalex]

We asked the organist for our wedding if he could play us out of the church to this. So whenever I hear it now, I think of just being married to my husband and joyously walking down the aisle out of the church and into the rest of our lives. :) That was just a year ago in Feb 2022.

[DCCLook]

I'm with several others below... That 16 bar (I think) 4-hands piano section in the last movement - standing out as it does and never repeated - is some of the most dramatic and moving music I've ever heard, and it never ceases to move me to tears no matter how many times I've heard it. Whether you believe in a literal heaven or not, you must agree: THAT is the music of heaven.

[gunkadink]

When I first heard this piece, I was driving along the West Shoreway in Cleveland with the local classical FM station on the radio.
When the last movement began, I had to pull over. When the 4 hand piano portion began, I was in tears. The UTTER MAJESTY of this work has made it one of my favorites and moves me to tears each and every time!

[verdiguy]

As another person posted, my favourite moment is at 29:20, when the concertmaster turns and smiles at the female violinist sitting behind him and to his left. It's a truly wonderful moment of two musicians enjoying the experience.

[mattbrown]

I think Paavo may be the most elegant conductor I have ever seen

[TJFNYC]

28:16 - 30:07 to takes me to heaven....the entry of the pianos is wonderful and that of the organ is beyond this realm.

[michaelblount]

I've been enamored with this symphony for nearly 50 years. It was great then, and remains so now.

[fitboyfit]

I've been listening to this piece for over 40 years and I've heard it performed live more than 20 times. In my view this is the greatest interpretation I've ever heard or will hear in my lifetime. It's a masterpiece of a rendition

[SueShanahan-bb]

This is How proud Saint Saens would have been to see his fellow countrymen doing such justice to this masteepiece! Bravo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[blueapples]

After such a terrific performance I'm one of those people who likes to watch the orchestra and conductor soak up the applause.

[richarddelguidice]

The term "genius" is overused, but this is truly the work of a genius. It amazes me that this existed in Saint-Saens mind before being placed on paper, and then performed. I will never tire of listening to this masterpiece.

[TiticatFollies]

I always break out into goose bumps and chills at the moment the organ comes in like a thunderbolt from the sky!