Le cygne (The Swan)

"The Carnival of the Animals" ("Le carnaval des animaux") was composed in 1886.

Of all the wonderful individual movements, "The Swan" remains the most popular. Written for two pianos and cello, the lushly romantic cello solo (which evokes the swan elegantly gliding over the water) is played over rippling sixteenths in one piano and rolled chords in the other (said to represent the swan's feet, hidden from view beneath the water, propelling it along.

There's no doubt that a "larger" acoustic would help this, but I think the sound is still quite attractive.

The transcription, which is a flawless one, is by the great Alexander Guilamant. The score is attached below.

I'm going to mention something highly personal, and I hope you won't mind me doing so.

I'm supposed to have knee replacement surgery on June 18th, but will having various pre-op tests, a significant mass was discovered on my left lung. I don't have mention what this could mean...

I had a cat scan today, and will know my results on Thursday. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Thanks to All in advance.