"Dance Macabre" is a musical composition by Camille Saint-Saëns, first premiered in 1875. The piece is inspired by the medieval allegory of the Danse Macabre, which depicts death leading people to dance in a graveyard. It is characterized by its lively tempo and haunting melodies, reflecting the theme of life and death. The composition is often performed by orchestras and is known for its use of the xylophone, which represents the sound of skeletons dancing. "Dance Macabre" has become a popular piece in classical music and is frequently featured in films, television, and other media.