The choice of "fairyland" as inspiration for his sixth orchestral suite allowed Massenet to make use of his exceptional skill as an orchestrator to create a magical world of fantasy and dreams. The titles of the four movements suggest the specific inspiration for the music: 1. Cortège (procession); 2. Ballet; 3. Apparition; 4. Bacchanale. The lively procession of the first movement is followed by a sparkling and dramatic ballet movement, conjuring images of the dancing fairies. The third movement is somber and elegant, with much poignant use of orchestral color. The final movement, a rousing bacchanale, reveals the type of dynamic orchestral writing that Massenet used so effectively in his operas.

© All Music Guide