What is the history and significance of the danse macabre music in relation to the cultural and artistic movements of the Middle Ages?

The danse macabre music originated in the Middle Ages as a reflection of the idea of death being a universal equalizer. It was often used in artistic and cultural expressions to remind people of their mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The music was significant in portraying the themes of death and the afterlife, and it became a popular motif in various art forms during that time period.