Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) was a French musical prodigy, composer, and virtuoso pianist/organist known for bridging classical traditions with modern sounds, composing popular works like Carnival of the Animals, Danse Macabre, and Samson et Dalila, while also championing French music and being a polymath interested in science, history, and literature. He began composing at age 5, debuted as a pianist at 10, held prominent organ posts in Paris, and co-founded the Société Nationale de Musique to promote French composers.