Thaïs, quarantined

Quick facts

Jules Massenet (1842-1912) was one of the leading French composers in the second half of the 19th century and music is admired for its lyricism, sensuality, and theatricality.

Massenet studied composition at the Paris conservatory and made a career composing operas and incidental music. He wrote 24 operas, of which Manon, Werther, and Thaïs are considered his greatest works.

Thaïs, like many of Massenet’s operas are inspired by literary works. “It was his habit to underline with colored pencils and, without any comments, passages in literary works that he thought would be possible to set to music.” Read more at WQXR.

Massenet’s Thaïs is based on a novel by Anatole France, published in 1890, about St. Thaïs of Egypt who is believed to have lived in the 4th Century. From Catholic.org: “Thaïs was a wealthy woman raised in Alexandria, Egypt, as a Christian. She decided to become a courtesan. Repenting of her lifestyle through the influence of St. Paphnutius, she gave up her money and entered a convent where she was walled up for three years to perform extreme penance for her dissolute habits. Finally, at the urging of St. Anthony, she was released from her spiritual incarceration and permitted to join the other women of the convent, dying a mere fifteen days after her release.”

Click here to learn more fun facts about Massenet.

Leading Lady

Massenet’s favorite soprano and inspiration for the role of Thaïs was a young American named Sibyl Sanderson. She had over a three octave vocal range and great acting instincts.

“Sibyl Sanderson was 22 when she met Massenet in 1886. That beautiful American with red hair would become his favorite performer. She created the parts of Esclarmonde (1889) and of Thaïs (1894). More importantly, the part of Manon owes her all of its charisma. Charmed by Massenet’s heroine, she often signed her letters “Your Manon”

Despite the rumors, no document can confirm that the composer and his singer had a love affair. The admiration they bear to one another was more likely of a platonic kind. Sibyl Sanderson died on 1903, at the age of only 38 years old. (Quote cited to France Musique, learn more at francemusique.fr/en)

Sinners and Saints

Athanaël convinces Thaïs to give up her worldly possessions and lifestyle in order to save her soul. By doing this, she gains salvation, but it also ultimately costs Athanaël his faith. To honor both characters, the quarantine cocktail this week is a 1/2 Sinner 1/2 Saint, because truly every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. Watch John build the cocktail here.

Ingredients: 2 oz. Sweet Vermouth, 2 oz. Dry Vermouth, Bar spoon of Ouzo, Lemon peel for garnish.

Directions: Fill a rocks glass with ice, add both Sweet and Dry Vermouth and stir well. Garnish with a lemon peel, take your bar spoon and float your Ouzo on top. Enjoy!Synopsis

Cliff Notes:

Thaïs takes place in Alexandria and the Thebaid desert in Egypt during the fourth century. Alexandria is a city in a state of sin, intoxicated by the courtesan Thaïs. Athanaël, a monk, returns to the city on a mission to save the beautiful courtesan’s soul. After much persuading, the monk ultimately convinces Thaïs to give up her former life, literally burning up her palace, and following God. Athanaël leads her across the desert to a convent where she will devote her life to God and save her soul. As soon as Thaïs is gone, Athanaël is filled with lust and is unable to part the physical image of her. After three months of fasting and prayer, he gives up his faith to seek her. Upon his arrival he finds a Thaïs dying in a vision of angels.