description Daphnis and Chloé Overview
Georges Mendès France’s *Daphnis et Chloé* is a significant ballet from the 20th century. It tells the story of an idyllic love affair between Daphnis and Chloé, set within the world of ancient Greece. The work prominently features music by Maurice Ravel and choreography by Sir William Ashton. It's notable for its narrative structure and exploration of pastoral themes, making it a key piece in ballet history primarily performed by professional dancers and dance companies interested in classical repertoire.
help Daphnis and Chloé FAQ
Who created the original ballet Daphnis et Chloe?
Daphnis et Chloe was created for the Ballets Russes, with choreography by Michel Fokine and music by Maurice Ravel. It premiered in Paris at the Theatre du Chatelet on June 8, 1912.
What is unusual about Ravel's Daphnis et Chloe score?
Ravel called it a choreographic symphony, and it uses a wordless chorus as part of the orchestral color. At just under an hour, it is also Ravel's longest work.
Is Daphnis et Chloe based on Greek mythology?
It is based on the ancient Greek pastoral romance by Longus, not on a single Olympian myth. The story follows the young lovers Daphnis and Chloe through separation, rescue, and reunion.
Who designed the original Daphnis et Chloe production?
Leon Bakst designed the original Ballets Russes sets and costumes. The work was created for Vaslav Nijinsky and Tamara Karsavina, two major Diaghilev-era stars.
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