This tune was originally from Camille Saint-Saëns opera "Samson and Delila" (French: "Samson et Dalila"). It was first performed in 1877 in Germany after previously being rejected in Paris for its portrayal of biblical subject matter and, at times, its suggestiveness.

The Bacchanale is the best known excerpt from the opera and is often performed as a stand-alone concert piece.

This arrangement features the marching percussion section (battery and pit) and can be used as an extended percussion feature for a marching band or for an indoor group.