According to ancient beliefs, swans spend most of their lives in silence gracing the world simply with their elegance and beauty. There comes a time when they sing their first beautiful song; it is the final moment before their death to convey their departure is near. Camille Saint-Saëns chose the cello to vocalize the swan’s aria and the piano (originally two pianos) to portray the gentle streaming water. I also imagine the trickling notes on the piano to represent all the memories of a life encapsulated into a single moment. The successful reception of Saint-Saëns’ painting of the swan song led a ballet dance to become associated with the music that would later be recognized by all.
How would your farewell sound? Have you been living your life offering an ear and your unique beauty to the world to sing like that of a swan, or have you been talking over others trying exhaustingly to be heard? I sincerely hope that the music will peacefully direct you to find your purpose to your meaningful life. May you be abundantly blessed so that in the end, you may sing the most beautiful song ever to be heard.
Here is my favorite rendition of The Swan in a piano arrangement by Leopold Godowsky.
ms. espressivo 