Jules Massenet - Thais (1894) - Terzet for Myrtale, Crobyle & La Charmeuse - "Celle qui vient"

The opera "Thais" is generally considered to be one of Massenet's finest works, although it is not as well known today as either "Manon" or "Werther". Based on the popular novel by Anatole France, the opera's libretto was written by Louis Gallet which sets the action in fourth century Egypt and tells the story of a Cenobite monk, Athanael (baritone), who is obsessed with the beautiful courtesan, Thais (soprano). He sublimates his longing by converting her to Christianity and delivering her to a monastery but discovers, too late, that his obsession with her is rooted in lust; ironically, while the courtesan's true purity of heart is revealed, so is the religious man's baser nature. The work's main theme as a whole is religious eroticism, and this is very much apparent when one listens to the music, especially the well-known Meditation for violin solo with harp and strings accompaniment, the entr'acte played between the scenes of Act II. As the mentioned piece is quite popular enough (and well-represented on YouTube), I decided to post a piece that, while possibly not as openly rich musically as the orchestral interlude, is very much interesting in its' own right.

There is actually no logical need for the piece which is quite simply a part of the traditional divertisement that has to appear in any French opera but this is contrasted by its' high originality and sheer musical beauty. The narrative is simple: la Charmeuse, an exotic performer (high soprano), performs an elaborate dance which is introduced and accompanied by a simple duettino for the servants of Athanael's friend, Crobyle (soprano) and Myrtale (mezzo-soprano), singing of La Charmeuse's beauty. The duettino itself is accompanied in a rather familiar belcanto gesture by a wave-like harp melody and sustained string lines, creating a perfectly intense atmosphere. The duettino is interspersed and then connected with the high warbling of La Charmeuse whose involvement in the opera is limited only to the present terzet, making the role one of the more demanding cameo parts in the whole canon (and a difficult one at that). A surprisingly original creation.

Ann-Marie Connors - Crobyle,
Ann Murray - Myrtale,
Norma Burrowes - La Charmeuse.

Hope you'll enjoy :).

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Massenet
• classical
• romantic

[tk131182]

may I ask what's the name of the painting? who's the artist? anyone knows?

[pjdonagh]

Beautifully sung especially by Burrowes...as you say a demanding and difficult role. That final note cruelly exposed but she nailed it!!

Thank you.

[amneris54]

yessssss je l'ai trouvé,,, je le cherchais

thkssss

[AminaBellini]

I like this part.."the Charmeuse, and two slaves" singing...very nice!!!