Saint Saens By the Rivers of Babylon

Vocal Score (Soprano Solo, SATB, Piano)

Psalm 137 "Super flumina Babylonis" also known as "By the rivers of Babylon" was an inspiration for many composers including Camille Saint-Saëns. He repeatedly occupied himself with his psalm motet for solo soprano, mixed choir, saxophone quartet, string orchestra and organ, originally composed in 1854. Two of the four versions – the first version in Latin and a much later version in English for alto solo, SATB choir and piano – are now available for the first time in Urtext performing editions taking a meticulous account of all the sources.

Saint-Saëns lived up to his reputation as an innovative composer by exploring the use of the saxophone family in sacred music just a few years after the invention of these instruments. The successful combination of voice and saxophone creates a special sound experience.