The xylophone (from Greek xylon — wood) has ancient roots: similar instruments (marimba, balafon) have existed for centuries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. The xylophone entered the European orchestra only in the late 19th century.
Saint-Saëns gave the xylophone a famous solo in his Danse macabre, imitating the clatter of skeletal bones — since then the instrument has carried a mystical, slightly eerie character. In modern classical music the xylophone is part of every composer's palette (Bartók, Messiaen, Orff). Its dry, piercing timbre makes it ideal for accents and rhythmic figures.
