Thais: No. 23, Act II: Meditation [Alf:36-A169402]

Jules Massenet (1842-1912) based his opera THAS 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 Opİra 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 AthanaĞl, trying to purge Alexandria of wickedness, influences the courtesan ThaŻs 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.