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.

Editor: Christina M. Stahl