Danse Macabre

Dance of Death (1493) by Michael Wolgemut


October 9, 1835 is the birth date of Camille Saint-Saens.

This isn't a "Classical Music" blog, but I was thinking of sneaking in a little Spooky Sunday fun for an early October evening. One of Saint-Saens' most famous pieces is the Danse Macabre. This tone poem is based on a story in which Death appears at midnight every Halloween and summons up the dead from their graves. To the sound of Death's violin, they dance until sunrise. Then they return into the earth and wait for another year to pass so that they can enjoy another night of liberating dance.

In late medieval lore, the danse macabre was symbolic of the universality of death. Regardless of your age, wealth, social status, or personal talents, the Reaper was always at your side. Death was waiting for all mortals. And so Life was nothing but a dance on the way to the grave.

Morbid stuff!!!

Dance of the Dolls (2011) by Anthony Clarkson

But I find the imagery fascinating. Dancing is such vigorous and life-affirming activity that the combination with Death creates a transgressive thrill. Lifeless things should not be dancing. And dancers should not be dead.

Kiss and Cry

Kim Yuna performs a sit spin as part of her James Bond Medley short program (2009-2010 Season).

We can't let the day end without wishing a Happy 21st Birthday to skating great, Kim Yuna of South Korea. She's a wonder to watch skating with grace and skill upon the ice. I normally root for the US skaters, but Queen Yuna won me over with her amazing blend of superb technical skill and charismatic program performances. She doesn't always win the competition, but I feel that she's the best total skater currently on the ice.

The thing that surprised me about Kim Yuna is that I expected her to be yet another "jump-bot" kid. When she was a girl skating on the Junior level, it was obvious that she was gifted in athleticism and agility. But there was no hint that she would master the intangibles of quality program components. That's usually the trait of a mature skater, not a teen. However, as soon as she entered the Senior level of competition, she learned how to skate like a Lady.

Finally, she has reached a biological age that matches her style. ;-)


Kim Yuna performs a spiral as part of her Lark Ascending free skate (2006-2007 Season).


Let's look at some of her finest performances.