Saint-Saens – Danse Macabre Op.40

Home » Violin Sheet Music » Saint-Saens – Danse Macabre Op.40

“Danse Macabre,” Op. 40, is one of Camille Saint-Saëns’s most famous and evocative compositions. Saint-Saëns composed “Danse Macabre” in 1874. The work is based on a poem of the same name by Henri Cazalis, which describes Death summoning the dead to dance at midnight on Halloween.

The haunting opening violin solo, often played in harmonics, sets the tone for the piece. It portrays Death summoning the spirits to join the macabre dance. Danse Macabre on the violin is a challenging piece that demands a high level of technical proficiency and interpretive skill. While not necessarily reserved for virtuoso players, mastering this composition requires an advanced skill set.

PREVIEW

Free Violin Sheet Music

Borodin’s Symphony No. 3 in A Major, also known as the “Heroic Symphony,” is a cornerstone of the Romantic repertoire. Premiered in 1886, it’s a vibrant tapestry of passion, heroism, and melancholic beauty, woven together with masterful skill. But for the violinist, the symphony holds a special allure, for the violin part is not merely an accompaniment, but a protagonist …

“Night on Bald Mountain” (Ночь на Лысой горе), also known as “Night on Bare Mountain,” is one of Modest Mussorgsky’s most famous and evocative compositions. This tone poem, written in 1867, captures a vivid and macabre scene of a witches’ sabbath on St. John’s Eve atop a bald mountain. Mussorgsky drew inspiration from Russian folklore and legends, particularly the idea …

“Peter and the Wolf,” Op. 67, is one of Sergei Prokofiev’s most beloved and accessible compositions. It’s a symphonic fairy tale for children, narrated with music, where each character is represented by a different instrument or group of instruments. Peter – String Instruments: The character of Peter is represented by the strings, particularly the violin. “Peter and the Wolf” is …

Symphony No. 83 in G minor, “The Hen”, like many of Haydn’s works, was composed during his time in London in 1785. It is renowned for its inventive use of musical elements, including a unique second movement that imitates the clucking of a hen, hence the nickname. This symphony showcases Haydn’s wit and creativity, making it a notable piece in …

Symphony No. 52 in C minor, composed by Franz Joseph Haydn, is believed to have been written around 1771-1772 during his time at the Esterházy court. This period marked a significant phase in Haydn’s career, showcasing his growing maturity as a composer. Players participating in the performance of Symphony No. 52 will benefit from a thorough understanding of Classical period …

The Queen of the Night’s aria, “Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen” (Hell’s vengeance boils in my heart), is a truly captivating and complex piece within the opera The Magic Flute. While The Magic Flute is a Singspiel (opera with spoken dialogue), the Queen’s aria stands out as a pure operatic tour de force. It’s written in the style …

“Czardas” is a well-known composition for violin and orchestra by Italian composer Vittorio Monti. It is one of Monti’s most famous works and is often performed in both classical and folk music settings. “Czardas” is characterized by its fiery and virtuosic violin passages, making it a favorite among violinists for showcasing their technical skills. The piece is named after the …

“London Bridge Is Falling Down” is a traditional English nursery rhyme and singing game that has been passed down through generations. The song is often sung by children while they play a game in which they form an arch with their arms, and other children pass underneath. Easy violin sheet music arrangement.

“L’estro armonico” translates to “The Harmonic Inspiration” in English. This opus represents a set of twelve concertos for various combinations of solo instruments and orchestra. “L’estro armonico” was groundbreaking in its time because it introduced innovative and diverse instrumental combinations within the concerto genre. Its influence extended far beyond Vivaldi’s own time, as it played a pivotal role in shaping …

Bach’s Violin Sonata in A, BWV 1015, might seem more approachable than the Partita No. 1 due to its four shorter movements, it still presents significant challenges for violinists. While less frequent than in the Partita, double stops appear throughout the sonata, particularly in the first movement. This demands precise intonation and coordination between both hands. The third movement, Presto, requires agility and bow control …

Gioachino Rossini’s effervescent La scala di seta (The Silken Ladder) isn’t just an opera – it’s a whirlwind of comedic intrigue set to music. And its overture, a dazzling display of operatic fireworks, is a violinist‘s playground. Let’s delve into the intricacies of bringing this iconic piece to life on the strings. The overture itself is a microcosm of the …

Mozart’s “Ave verum corpus,” K. 618, is a testament to his ability to create profound and moving music, even in relatively short compositions. It remains a cherished work in sacred choral music and is celebrated for its spiritual depth and simplicity.

“The Blue Danube” is perhaps one of the most recognizable and celebrated waltzes in the world. It has become a symbol of Vienna and its New Year’s Concerts. The piece is known for its flowing and graceful melodies, which evoke the majestic beauty of the Danube River and the romantic charm of Vienna. The opening bars of “The Blue Danube” …

This is a chamber music work that is sometimes referred to as “Piano Quartet in A Minor” or “Klavierquartett in A-Moll.” Mahler’s Piano Quartet in A minor is an early composition, written when he was still a student. It’s a relatively lesser-known work in his repertoire, often overshadowed by his more famous symphonies and song cycles. The piece is characterized …

Smetana, the father of Czech music, poured his soul into his compositions, capturing the spirit of his homeland in every note. Among his early gems lies the Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 15, a work that transcends its chamber music origins and speaks directly to the heart. While traditionally performed by a piano, violin, and cello, the essence of …