The Swan (Saint-Saëns)

by Camille Saint Saëns, arr. Jamie Vilseck

Medium-Advanced Vibraphone Solo

Instrumentation:

• Vibraphone (3-octave)

The Swan by Camille Saint-Saëns, arranged by Jamie Vilseck, brings one of the most beloved movements from The Carnival of the Animals to the vibraphone. Originally written for solo cello and two pianos, this arrangement preserves the elegance and lyrical beauty of the original in a single four-mallet vibraphone solo.

The arrangement requires careful control of all musical elements. The soaring melodic line must consistently sing above the accompaniment, while thoughtful pedaling and mallet dampening help maintain the work’s smooth, connected character. Throughout the piece, performers are encouraged to shape phrases freely with rubato and expressive nuance.

Balancing technical demands with musical sophistication, The Swan offers performers an opportunity to develop four-mallet independence, tone control, and expressive artistry while performing one of the most enduring works in the classical repertoire.

This piece ships as a fully bound score.