 He was commissioned to compose this work by the Ballet de l'Opéra National de Paris after the unexpected death of Ballets Russes choreographer Sergei Diaghilev in 1929 and following on the heels of Prokofiev's successful score for "The Prodigal Son".Sergei Diaghilev, the impresario who had led Ballets Russes to distinguished success, died suddenly in 1929, hence ending Prokofiev's collaboration with the troupe.