On the Execution of Music, and Principally of Ancient Music

"On the Execution of Music, and Principally of Ancient Music" by Camille Saint-Saëns is a detailed study that looks at how music, especially older styles, should be understood and played. Emerging from a time when music theory was thriving, the book examines the challenges of playing old music correctly, considering how musical writing and playing styles have changed over time. Saint-Saëns closely examines how music has been played throughout the ages, questioning modern performances that don't respect what the composers originally wanted. He talks about how musical forms and practices have grown, including the notation used in early music, the features of performance styles, and why it’s important to know the historical background to play the music in an authentic way. Through careful study and personal stories, Saint-Saëns encourages a more thoughtful and informed way of performing music from composers such as Palestrina, Bach, and Mozart, stressing that sticking to the composer's original style is key to keeping the music's true essence.