Prélude A L'après-midi D'un Faune

Album: Prélude A L'après-midi D'un Faune (1894)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The symphonic poem "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune" (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun), was first performed in Paris on December 22, 1894, conducted by Gustave Doret. The work was based on a poem about a faun playing panpipes and falling into a languorous sleep after an exhausting session chasing nymphs around the woods.
  • The tone poem was intended by Claude Debussy to be the first of three pieces, but the planned Interlude and Paraphrase Finale were never written.
  • In 1912 a ballet choreographed by the Russian ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky using the music of Debussy's tone poem was premiered in Paris by Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. The production caused quite a scandal when Nijinsky - dressed up as a faun - performed an erotic dance to the piece on the stage.
  • The symphonic poem features prominently in the 1949 film Portrait of Jennie, and is used as a musical motif for the titular character played by Jennifer Jones.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.