The orchestral version was first performed at a Concert Lamoureux under the baton of Charles Lamoureux on November 25, 1888. Three days later, the choral version was premiered at a concert of the Soci�t� Nationale de Musique. In 1891, the Countess finally helped Faur� produce the version with both dancers and chorus, in a "choreographic spectacle" designed to grace one of her garden parties in the Bois de Boulogne.

From the outset, the Pavane has enjoyed immense popularity, whether with or without chorus. It entered the standard repertoire of the Ballets Russes in 1917, where it was alternatively billed as Las Mininas or Les Jardins d'Aranjuez. Faur�'s example was imitated by his pupils, who went on to write pavanes of their own: Ravel's Pavane pour une infante d�funte and Debussy's Passepied from his Suite bergamasque.