In its dayLittle noticed at first. People began to pay attention after Debussy orchestrated it in 1897.

The composerAged 21 when writing it, and born in Honfleur, France. Earned a modest living as a cabaret pianist and was often short of money; from 1898 he lived in one room in Arcueil. Left the Paris Conservatoire in 1882, then went back to study at the Schola Cantorum at 39.