Expert: Marbeth - 10/20/2006

Question
Morning,
Ten years ago I was in a relationship with someone who had a classical cd.  I think might be Saint-Saens, but am not sure.  I have had a piece of classical music from that cd going through my head for about five years.  I've been searching.  I'm starting to think I'll go to my death never knowing.  It's a melancholy, soft piece with slight discord in timing.  Dumb question, but is there any way to find out who produced a piece by only being able to hum some of it?
This is embarrassing, but driving me crazy.
Thanks
Patti


Answer
You're not crazy.  And there are no dumb questions.

That taken care of, I think your best bet is to go to a univ. or college music office and ask who might help you.  A grad student perhaps.  

I'd narrow in on a conducting studnt (grad level, as an undergrad will not have the breadth in literature).

Or a music history student; this discipline (mine!) requires a broad understanding of music of all periods, as well as skill in identifying specific pieces and  period types.

Sometimes a music librarian (also widely-aquainted with literature) can help.

If's a particular type of piece, go to a professor in that area.  Some Saint-Saens is unique.  For example, the 3rd symph. has organ in it. If you mystery piece has organ + orchestra, it's that symph.  If organ only, you have a choice of preludes and fugues. If it is a work of a dozen or so short-ish pieces, it might be the Carnival of the Animals.  The Swan, for cello, is a well-known tune.  There's another that has xylophone, but I don't remember the name of that one; you've probably heard it.  

I do a lot of arranging in my piano studio and often am asked to write out something based on only a tune fragment my student hums, so I think you'll be able to track down your mystery tune if you can find the person whose specialty would make it likely to be part of the body of appropriate literature.