Havanaise, Op.83

Written in 1887 for the violinist Raphael Diaz Albertini with whom he was touring, the Havanaise was inspired by the popping sound of the fire. Originally composed for violin and piano, Saint-Saëns orchestrated it the following year. Despite being originally composed for Albertini, the premiere with orchestra was given instead by Martin-Pierre Marsick on January 7, 1894 in Paris at the Théâtre du Châtelet with the Colonne orchestra conducted by Edouard Colonne. The havanaise (or habanera) is a Cuban dance based on African rhythms and was likely introduced to Saint-Saëns by Albertini who was of Cuban descent. This new edition by Richard W. Sargeant, Jr. shows the brilliance of one of Saint-Saëns most popular and beloved solo works.