Among his best works are his Symphony no 3 ( with organ ) , Piano Concerto no 2 , Violin Concerto no 3 , Cello Concerto no 1 , the opera Samson and Delilah and the Danse Macabre . His most popular work , however , is the Carnival of the Animals . Charles-Camille Saint-Sa Ã `` ns ( 9 October 1835-16 December 1921 ) was a French Late-Romantic composer , organist , conductor , and pianist , known especially for The Carnival of the Animals , Danse macabre , Samson and Delilah , Piano Concerto No. 2 , Havanaise , Introduction and Rondo capriccioso , Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor , and his Symphony No. 3 ( Organ Symphony ) .