Carnival original illustration in pen and ink and watercolour by Rosie Brooks

The Carnival of the Animals (Le carnaval des animaux in French) is a musical suite composed by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns in 1886. The suite is divided into fourteen movements, each of which represents a different animal or group of animals.

The movements are as follows:

1. Introduction et marche royale du lion (Introduction and Royal March of the Lion)
2. Poules et coqs (Hens and Roosters)
3. Hemiones (animaux véloces) (Wild Asses: Swift Animals)
4. Tortues (Tortoises)
5. L'Éléphant (The Elephant)
6. Kangourous (Kangaroos)
7. Aquarium (Aquarium)
8. Personnages à longues oreilles (Characters with Long Ears)
9. Le coucou au fond des bois (The Cuckoo in the Depths of the Woods)
10. Volière (Aviary)
11. Pianistes (Pianists)
12. Fossiles (Fossils)
13. Le cygne (The Swan)
14. Finale

The Carnival of the Animals is known for its playful and whimsical character, and has become one of Saint-Saëns' most popular works. The piece is often performed in a concert setting, and is also frequently used in film, television, and other media as a source of lighthearted and cheerful music.

Illustrated featured as part of celebrations of the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2020