Saint-Saëns: Havanaise, Op.83

Introduction

The Havanaise in E major (French: Havanaise en mi majeur), Op. 83, is a composition for violin and orchestra based on the habanera rhythm, written in 1887 by Camille Saint-Saëns for Cuban violinist Rafael Diaz Albertini. It is one of the standards of the classical concertante repertoire.

Structure

The composition consists of a single multi-tempo movement marked, Allegretto lusinghiero-Allegro-Tempo primo-Allegretto-Allegro non troppo-Più Allegro-Allegretto-Lento and lasts around nine and a half minutes in performance.

In popular culture

A minor variation on "Havanaise," as well as the original piece, make up the main theme of the film The Ninth Gate.