Music to write to: Carnival of the Animals

I want my new WIP to have a light tone, something with wonder and joy in it. So I've been listening to sections of Saint-Saen's CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS. I pick a song that fits the mood of the scene and then I put it on loop, turning it low enough that I can hear it but won't go crazy from the repetition. The songs are only 30 seconds-2 minutes long, but they are so evocative that it feels like the composer is telling an entire story in just a few breaths. 

I was fascinated to read that Saint-Saen wouldn't allow publication of this work while he was alive, except for a small piece of it. He worried he would seem too frivolous. 

Here are three of the little songs I've been writing to. 

First, "Aviary". And as a bonus, this video begins with Roger Moore (yes, 007!) narrating before the song starts:

And second, "Aquarium", which I bet you will recognize from commercials and movies. Personally it makes me remember Little Dude's Baby Einstein videos:

Finally, "The Cuckoo in the Woods", again with 007 opening it up: