By: Camille Saint-Saëns
Arranged by: Matthew Rasmussen
Time:  5:45
Grade:  3 – Concert Percussion
Price:  $295.00

The Danse Macabre consists of a personification of death summoning representatives from all walks of life to dance along to the grave, typically with a pope, emperor, king, child, and laborer. They were produced as mementos mori, to remind people of the fragility of their lives and how vain were the glories of earthly life.

The orchestral work cited here was written in 1874 by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns.  The arrangement by Matthew Rasmussen was done originally for Louise Jacob and Armijo HS (Fairfield, CA).

Danse Macabre (Percussion Ensemble) MP3          Danse Macabre (Percussion Ensemble) Sample Score

Instrumentation:

Snares
Tenors (Quints)
Bass Drums (4 or 5)
Cymbals
Bells
Xylophone
Vibraphone 1, 2
Marimba 1, 2
Timpani
Bass Guitar
Synth 1, 2
Auxiliary Percussion 1, 2, 3