Prélude à 'L'après-midi d'un faune'

Inspired by Stéphane Mallarmé's poem of the same name, Debussy composed his prélude as a free illustration with delicate timbres – dreams and desires of a faun in the afternoon heat. Originally conceived as a three-movement suite, the piece was already such a success at its premiere in Paris on 22 December 1894 that it was performed again immediately. With its famous opening flute melody and innovative floating harmonies, the prélude became a landmark of modernism and remains one of Debussy's most popular orchestral works. This Breitkopf Urtext edition is based on the first edition of the score and the 1963 facsimile of the particell. The complete orchestral material is available for purchase.