Mikael Rasmusson wrote:

>Why is it called the Africa Fantasy? Was it inspired by African music of by
>a trip to Africa? Has it something to do with Meyerbeer's African opera?
>Liszt wrote a fantasy based on several themes from Meyerbeer's opera.

Saint-Saens was very fond of Africa, and often spent winters in Northern
Africa.  The Africa Fantasy, op.89, was written during his trip to Cairo
and Alexandria.

The following is a quote from Michael Stegemann's book "Camille Saint-Saens
and the French Solo Concerto from 1850-1920," p.151:

Other than Felicien David, C.  S-S was probably the only French composer of
the Romantic period who could refer to authentic sources for the Oriental
elements in his work.  During his travels, especially to Algeria and Egypt,
the composer devoted himself intensively to the study of North African folk
music.  He wrote down characteristic melodies and rhythms on the spot, as
for instance in the sketch sheet to op.89 . . .  He also had friends send
to him in Paris other material which they had heard in Algerian coffee
houses.  In addition, he immersed himself in nature and the landscape.
In Egypt he sketched out the "cri de la sauterelle (chirping of the
crickets)," which he used in op.103 [pf.  cto.  #5, "Egyptian"].

Gilbert Chang