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Thais: No. 23, Act II: Meditation
Composers:- Massenet, Jules
Duration: 4
Description:
Jules Massenet (1842-1912) based his opera THAÏS on the novel of the same name by Anatole France. The titular role was created for American soprano Sibyl Sanderson, who first performed it for the premiere at the Opéra Garnier in Paris on March 16, 1894. A revised version of the opera was first performed in the same theatre in 1898. It takes place in 4th century Egypt. The Cenobite monk Athanaël, trying to purge Alexandria of wickedness, influences the courtesan Thaïs to change her carnal ways. After she takes holy orders, the monk has a premonition of her death and tries too late to declare his love for her. The celebrated Meditation in Act II is a popular showcase of the violinist’s penchant for sustained lyricism. Instrumentation: 2.1+EH.2.+BCl.2+CBsn: 4.2.1+BTbn.0: Timp: Hp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set): Solo Vn (included Vn1part). Reprint edition.
