Massenet's Cinderella was first performed in Paris in 1899. The tale familiar to generations has been adapted innumerably into every genre. Massenet's version is notable for its wit and variety in creating the pomp of the court, the magic of the fairy world, the simple values of the good protagonists, and sensual, young love. By employing and synthesizing music redolent of Classical French ballet with influences such as Mendelssohn and Wagner, Massenet creates a piece with its own musical syntax: a Gallic take on a universal story.