[1] On a trip to the United States in 1922, Darius Milhaud heard "authentic" jazz on the streets of Harlem,[2] which left a great impact on his musical outlook.

"[1] Using jazz elements, the following year he finished composing La Création du monde, which was cast as a ballet in six continuous parts.

[3] Les Six frequently socialized at the Gaya Bar, where Milhaud liked to hear Jean Wiener play "negro music" in a popular style.

[3] Jazz influences appear in many of his compositions, but this ballet was the first opportunity to express his new passion; even the instrumental grouping draws on his memories of New York City.

"In some of the shows," Milhaud noted, "the singers were accompanied by flute, clarinet, trumpets, trombone, a complicated percussion section played by just one man, piano and string quartet.

[3] The costumes and sets from the original performance of La Création du monde still survive in museums and galleries, while the music has taken its place in the concert repertoire.