Saint-Saëns, Symphony in F major "Urbs Roma" (Thierry Fischer, Utah Symphony)

C.Saint-Saëns, Symphony in F major "Urbs Roma (The City of Rome)", with with a theme-and-structure analysis and synchronized sheet music (score) Performance: Thierry Fischer (conductor), Utah Symphony, 2017/12, Abravanel Hall, Salt Lake City, Utah Analysis, Score Editing, Synch: ScoreMan 00:00 Movement 1: Largo – Allegro 11:33 Movement 2: Molto vivace 17:42 Movement 3: Moderato, assai serioso 31:17 Movement 4: Poco allegretto OVERVIEW Camille Saint-Saëns’s Symphony in F major, “Urbs Roma” (Op. 235) is a fascinating but lesser-known orchestral work from the late 19th century. Written in 1856, it reflects the young composer’s admiration for classical traditions while also showing his early interest in large-scale symphonic writing. The title “Urbs Roma” means “The City of Rome” in Latin. However, the symphony is not a direct musical portrait of Rome in the style of a tone poem. Instead, it reflects the grandeur, order, and historical atmosphere associated with the ancient city. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Saint-Saëns composed this symphony when he was only 21 years old, during a period when he was developing his reputation as a talented pianist, organist, and composer. The work was submitted to the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1856 and won the prize, helping establish his career. At this time, French composers were strongly influenced by German symphonic traditions, especially the works of Beethoven and Mendelssohn. Saint-Saëns admired these traditions but combined them with French qualities such as elegance, clarity, and refined orchestral color. MUSICAL SIGNIFICANCE “Urbs Roma” is important because it represents Saint-Saëns’ early development as a symphonic composer. It demonstrates his ability to handle large forms with confidence at a remarkably young age. The symphony also reveals the influence of the Classical and early Romantic traditions while pointing toward Saint-Saëns’ mature style, known for precision, elegance, and technical mastery. The work remains an interesting example of 19th-century French symphonic writing and shows the extraordinary maturity of Saint-Saëns as a young composer.    • J.S.Bach Masterpieces      • J.S.Bach: 6 Cello Suites      • D.Scarlatti: Keyboard Sonatas      • Haydn Masterpieces      • Haydn: Symphonoies      • Haydn: Keyboard Sonatas      • Mozart Masterpieces      • Mozart: 18 Piano Sonatas      • Mozart: Symphonies      • Beethoven Masterpieces      • Beethoven: 9 Symphonies      • Beethoven: Piano Sonatas      • Schubert Masterpieces      • Schubert: 8 Symphonies      • Schubert: 21 Piano Sonatas      • Mendenssohn Masterpieces      • Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies      • Mendenssohn: 48 Song Without Words      • Chopin Masterpieces      • Chopin: 21 Mazurkas      • Chopin: 19 Polonaises      • Chopin: 22 Nocturnes      • Chopin: 19 Waltzes      • Schumann Masterpieces      • Liszt Masterpieces      • Brahms Masterpieces      • Tchaikovsky Masterpieces      • Tchaikovsky: 6+α Symphonies      • Debussy Masterpieces      • Scriabin: Piano Sonatas      • Ravel Masterpieces      • Prokofiev Masterpieces      • Prokofiev: 9 Piano Sonatas      • Piano Sonata Collection      • Piano Concerto Collection      • Violin Concerto Collection      • Suite Collection