Danse macabre (Saint-Saëns)

[1] In 1874, the composer expanded and reworked the piece into a symphonic poem, replacing the vocal line with a solo violin part.

The progression and melody of the minor waltz are similar to the jibes (e.g. "their sweethearts all are dead") of the Sailors' Chorus in "Helmsman/Steersman, Leave Your Watch," which begins the third act of Wagner's earlier opera, "The Flying Dutchman".

Danse macabre is scored for an obbligato violin and an orchestra consisting of one piccolo, two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets in B♭, two bassoons; four horns in G and D, two trumpets in D, three trombones, one tuba; a percussion section that includes timpani, xylophone, bass drum, cymbals and triangle; one harp and strings.

[citation needed] Shortly after the premiere, the piece was transcribed into a piano solo arrangement by Franz Liszt (S.555),[8] a good friend of Saint-Saëns.

There is an arrangement for Pierrot ensemble (flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano) by Tim Mulleman, and an organ transcription by Edwin Lemare.

Greg Anderson created a version for two pianos, two percussionists and violin, which he titled Danse Macbre Baccanale.