(Continued)
(First performance in England of the complete work)
DAPHNIS AND CHLOE was written as a choreographic symphony ' in three parts, with chorus, for Diaghilev's Russian Ballet. From the music, the composer arranged two Suites, which have been heard in the concert-room. The plot deals with some incidents in the story of the two young lovers of mythology, one of whom is carried off by pirates and rescued by Pan.
The plot begins with the gathering before the altar of young girls and lads, among whom come Daphnis and Chloe. These two do not yet realize their love, and each feels some jealousy at the other's mingling with the youths. Daphnis has a rival, Dorcan, a country fellow. The two dance in contest, and Chloe shows her preference for Daphnis.
Then pirates rush upon the scene, and Daphnis runs to aid Chloe, who, however, is carried off by the invaders. Daphnis returns, to find only her sandal. The statues of nymphs come to life, and seek the aid of Pan to rescue Chloe.
The next scene is in the pirates' camp, where Chloe is a prisoner. She begs for freedom, and is wooed by the chief of the band. There is a war dance. Then Pan appears in a cloud and snatches away Chloe. (These are all the scenes to which the First Suite made from the Ballet Music belongs. Its numbers are entitled Nocturne, Interlude, and Warriors' Dance. The Second Suite, containing three pieces,entitled Daybreak, Pantomime, and General Dance, deals with the incidents noted below.)
There is a musical picture of dawn, with its bird songs, and the awakening of the world. In this scene in the Ballet Chloe is restored to Daphnis. An old shepherd explains that Pan rescued the maiden in remembrance of the nymph Syrinx, whom he (Pan) loved.
Then the reunited lovers mime the story of Pan and Syrinx. Daphnis, pretending to be Pan, wooes Chloe, who impersonates Syrinx. She repulses the god, and lie is sad. He fashions a flute from a reed, and plays a melancholy tune. The maiden comes out and mimes in a dance the music of the flute. The dance becomes more lively, and she falls into the lover's arms. Before an altar he swears his fidelity. Bacchantes enter, with tambourines. Daphnis and Chloe embrace. A group of youths arrives, and here begins the last part, the General Dance.