the nine-minute symphonic poem is based on the ancient legend which tells how the amorous god pan invented the pan flute when following the nymph syrinx. syrinx ran to the river's edge and asked for assistance from the river nymphs. in answer, she was transformed into hollow water reeds that made a haunting sound when the god's frustrated breath blew across them. pan cut the reeds to fashion the first set of pan pipes, which were thenceforth known as "syrinx".