Camille Saint-Saens was a brilliant French composer from the nineteenth century. In SAINT-SAENS'S DANSE MACABRE, readers are transported to France in 1872 when Saint-Saens visited the catacombs beneath the streets of Paris, known best as the final resting place of victims of the French Revolution. It was in this underground graveyard that Camille found the inspiration to compose Danse macabre, his spooky, mischievous masterpiece. Early performances of what would become Saint Saens's most well-known piece were met with brutal criticism. However, the composer paid the naysayers no mind--to him, the choice of instrumentation perfectly captured his vision of dancing skeletons, of Maestro Death coming to life. A true story of creativity and belief in one's own ideas, SAINT-SAENS'S DANSE MACABRE will inspire the innovative thinker in all of us. Back matter includes an author's note with a brief summary of the historical events and figures mentioned in the text. A CD recording of Danse macabre is also included.

 

There are 32 pages in this book. This is a reference book. This book was published 2013 by Charlesbridge Publishing, U. S. .

A professional storyteller for more than 30 years, H. J. Arrington is best known for her spin on African folktales. She has worked as a teacher, professor, reading resource specialist, and educational consultant. JoAnn E. Kitchel currently resides in Nashua, New Hampshire, where she is a freelance illustrator. Native to Lansing, Michigan, she received her B. A. from Central Michigan University and has served in the Peace Corps as an art teacher. She is also the illustrator of The Heart of aFriendship and other children's books, such as The Farewell Symphony and Raven's Gift.