Afternoon of a Faun

ballet by Nijinsky

Also known as: “L’Après-midi d’un faune”

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June 18, 2026

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Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun is a musical tone poem by Claude Debussy, completed in 1894. It is considered a prime example of musical Impressionism. The work is inspired by Stéphane Mallarmé's poem of the same name, which features a faun recalling encounters with nymphs.

In 1912, Vaslav Nijinsky choreographed a ballet adaptation of this piece for Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. This ballet, also titled Afternoon of a Faun, is Nijinsky's only work still performed today. It is known for its unconventional movements and is a significant piece in the history of modern dance.

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dance
Music
…in L’Après-midi d’un faune (1912; “Afternoon of a Faun”), used Claude Debussy’s music purely for atmosphere, permitting it to set the mood rather than influence the organization of movements.
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…in L’Après-midi d’un faune (1912; “Afternoon of a Faun”), used Claude Debussy’s music purely for atmosphere, permitting it to set the mood rather than influence the organization of movements.
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Vaslav Nijinsky
Work as a choreographer
…Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes the ballets L’Après-midi d’un faune, Jeux, and Le Sacre du printemps. Till Eulenspiegel was produced in the United States without Diaghilev’s personal supervision. Nijinsky’s work in the field of choreography was generally considered daringly original.
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…Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes the ballets L’Après-midi d’un faune, Jeux, and Le Sacre du printemps. Till Eulenspiegel was produced in the United States without Diaghilev’s personal supervision. Nijinsky’s work in the field of choreography was generally considered daringly original.
Read More