Originally composed in 1910 as a piano duet for Mimi and Jean Godebski, aged 6 and 7, to whom the worm was dedicated. The suite of five pieces was given its premiere in the original piano duet setting on April 20, 2010 in Paris by Jeanne Leleu and Geneviève Duron. The following year Ravel orchestrated the the five-movement suite, which still often performed in the concert hall and is the version offered here. Later in 1911, the composer decided to expand the work into a one-act ballet by adding two new movements (Prélude and Danse du rouet et scène) and four interludes. The ballet was give its premiere in Paris at the Théâtre des Arts on January 29, 1912.

This new study score has been thoroughly researched and carefully reviewed by editors Nieweg and Bradburd. Their excellent edition was originally issued as a large score and parts by the now defunct American publisher E.F. Kalmus in 2014. Serenissima Music is pleased to now offer this edition in a convenient study score format and is the only authorized publisher for the edition. The large score and matching orchestra materical are likewise available.