Composed in 1874, Camille Saint-Saëns' Danse macabre is one of the most celebrated works of the French orchestral repertoire. Inspired by an old medieval legend, the piece depicts the dance of the skeletons on the night of the dead through a score rich in colour, contrast, and dramatic character.
This edition presents an arrangement for alto saxophone and string quartet, based on both the original orchestral version and the later transcription for violin and piano made by the composer himself. The arrangement combines elements from both sources to bring the work’s rich timbral palette and narrative character into a chamber music setting, while preserving the energy, virtuosity, and distinctive atmosphere of the original.
This arrangement was premiered by Ismael Arroyo (saxophone) together with the Cuarteto Iberia at the 52nd Maó Music Festival (Menorca, July 2025).
