Thaïs (opera): Difference between revisions
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'''Thaïs''' is an [[opera]] in three acts by [[Jules Massenet]] to a French [[libretto]] by [[Louis Gallet]] based on the novel of the same name by [[Anatole France]]. It was first performed at the Opéra in Paris on March 16, 1894, starring the American soprano [[Sybil Sanderson]] for whom Massenet had written the title role. Set in Roman Egypt, the story concerns a [[Cenobite]] monk, Athanaël, who attempts to convert [[Thaïs]], a courtesan of Alexandria and devotée of Venus, to Christianity, but finds himself motivated by vanity. It has been described as bearing a kind of religious eroticism and has spawned many controversial productions. Its famous ''Méditation'' for violin, an ''[[entr'acte]]'' played before a closed curtain between the scenes of Act II, is among the most frequently performed concert pieces and has been arranged for many different instruments. |
'''Thaïs''' is an [[opera]] in three acts by [[Jules Massenet]] to a French [[libretto]] by [[Louis Gallet]] based on the novel of the same name by [[Anatole France]]. It was first performed at the Opéra in Paris on March 16, 1894, starring the American soprano [[Sybil Sanderson]] for whom Massenet had written the title role. Set in Roman Egypt, the story concerns a [[Cenobite]] monk, Athanaël, who attempts to convert [[Thaïs]], a courtesan of Alexandria and devotée of Venus, to Christianity, but finds himself motivated by vanity. It has been described as bearing a kind of religious eroticism and has spawned many controversial productions. Its famous ''Méditation'' for violin, an ''[[entr'acte]]'' played before a closed curtain between the scenes of Act II, is among the most frequently performed concert pieces and has been arranged for many different instruments. |
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After ''[[Manon]]'' and ''[[Werther]]'' ''Thaïs'' is one of Massenet's most performed operas, but it is not part of the standard operatic repertoire. The role of Thaïs, similar to another Massenet heroine, ''[[Esclarmonde]]'', is notoriously difficult to sing and is reserved for only the most gifted of performers. Modern interpreters have included [[Anna Moffo]], [[Beverly Sills]], [[Leontyne Price]] and, most recently, [[Renée Fleming]]. |
After ''[[Manon]]'' and ''[[Werther]]'', ''Thaïs'' is one of Massenet's most performed operas, but it is not part of the standard operatic repertoire. The role of Thaïs, similar to another Massenet heroine, ''[[Esclarmonde]]'', is notoriously difficult to sing and is reserved for only the most gifted of performers. Modern interpreters have included [[Anna Moffo]], [[Beverly Sills]], [[Leontyne Price]] and, most recently, [[Renée Fleming]]. |
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Revision as of 06:13, 22 September 2006
Thaïs is an opera in three acts by Jules Massenet to a French libretto by Louis Gallet based on the novel of the same name by Anatole France. It was first performed at the Opéra in Paris on March 16, 1894, starring the American soprano Sybil Sanderson for whom Massenet had written the title role. Set in Roman Egypt, the story concerns a Cenobite monk, Athanaël, who attempts to convert Thaïs, a courtesan of Alexandria and devotée of Venus, to Christianity, but finds himself motivated by vanity. It has been described as bearing a kind of religious eroticism and has spawned many controversial productions. Its famous Méditation for violin, an entr'acte played before a closed curtain between the scenes of Act II, is among the most frequently performed concert pieces and has been arranged for many different instruments.
After Manon and Werther, Thaïs is one of Massenet's most performed operas, but it is not part of the standard operatic repertoire. The role of Thaïs, similar to another Massenet heroine, Esclarmonde, is notoriously difficult to sing and is reserved for only the most gifted of performers. Modern interpreters have included Anna Moffo, Beverly Sills, Leontyne Price and, most recently, Renée Fleming.
Roles
- Thaïs, a courtesan - soprano
- Athanaël, a Cenobite monk - baritone
- Nicias, a nobleman - tenor
- Crobyle, his sevant - soprano
- Myrtale, his servant - mezzo-soprano
- Palémon, leader of the Cenobites - bass
- Albine, an abbess - mezzo-soprano
References
- Thaïs More information, including a synopsis