THAÏS
Comédie lyrique en 3 actes et 7 tableaux
Composer : Jules Massenet (1842–1912)
Libretto : Louis Gallet, after Anatole France’s novel (1890)
First performance : Opéra Garnier, Paris, 16 March 1894 ; revised 13 April 1898
SETTING : Alexandria and surroundings, 4th century AD
PLOT: The Coenobite monk Athanaël converts the courtesan Thaïs but falls in love with her. She dies as a saint, while he succumbs to lust and falls in despair at her feet.
No. 5 – Phrase: ‘Qui te fait si sévère ?’
Thaïs asks the monk Athanaël why he has madly chosen to miss out on the joys of life and love. Athanaël angrily tells her that he will save her from sin—to which the others reply that he who defies Venus should be on his guard. As she starts to dance naked, Athanaël flees in horror.
Thaïs, comédienne et courtisane / actress and courtesan (soprano) : Renée Fleming
Athanaël, Cénobite / Coenobite (baritone) : Thomas Hampson
Nicias, jeune Philosophe sybarite / young hedonistic philosopher (tenor): Giuseppe Sabbatini
Conductor : Yves Abel
Choeur de l’Opéra de Bordeaux
Orchestra National Bordeaux Aquitaine
Bordeaux, 1997–1998