Music: Ernest Chausson (Poem for violin and orchestra).
Choreography and plot: Antony Tudor.
Costumes: Hugh Stevenson.
Premiered: in 1936 by the Ballet Rambert in London.
Dancers at the premiere: Antony Tudor , Hugh Laing, Maude Lloyd, Peggy Van Praagh.
In the repertory of the New York City Ballet since 1936 (premiered by Nora Kaye, Hugh Laing, Antony Tudor and Tanaquil Leclercq).
In the repertoire of the Paris Opera Ballet since 1985 (premiered by Isabelle Guérin and Laurent Hilaire ).
Plot:
Caroline, about to enter upon a marriage of convenience, tenders a
farewell party to precede the ceremony. Among the guests are the man she
really loved and the woman who, unknown to her, has been her
fiancé's mistress. Quick meetings, interrupted confidences culminate
with Caroline leaving on the arm of her betrothed, never having satisfied the desperate longings for the final kiss. (Program note)