Debussy Prelude a l'Apres-midi d'un Faune

James Judd Conductor

Gathering limits prevented the NZSO from performing to audiences for much of 2021, but we wanted to keep the band playing together and provide music for people at home. We recorded a number of great works during this time under the baton of Music Director Emeritus James Judd and with the support of broadcast partner RNZ Concert.

This is one of these works, and we hope it is of interest to you.

Debussy's Prelude a l'Apres-midi d'un Faune is inspired by the poem L'après-midi d'un faune by Stéphane Mallarmé, the music tells the story of a faun, a mythical creature, who awakens on a warm afternoon and is lost in his sensual thoughts. Debussy uses lush harmonies and flowing melodies to create a relaxed, mysterious atmosphere, blending sounds that seem to shimmer and move like the light through trees.