Jules Massenet was one of those fortunate people who find their life work quickly, and are able to apply their gifts to the very best advantage. His early successes at the Paris Conservatoire were repeated as soon as he began to write Operas.
The Wireless Orchestra conducted by John Ansell.
Overture,'The King of Lahore' Ballet, 'Herodiado' Egyptian Dance; Babylonian Dance; Dance of the Gauls; Phoenician Dance; Finale
The King of Lahore, his first important opera, is based on a story from the Hindoo Mahabharata, one of the two great epic poems of ancient India. It was presented as a brilliant spectacle, full of rich colour both in scenery and music.
Tchaikovsky, who heard the work when it was revived in 1879, wrote to a friend: 'I know you do not care very much for Massenet, and hitherto I, too, have not felt drawn to him. His Opera, however, has captivated me by its rare beauty of form, its simplicity and freshness of ideas and style, as well as by its wealth of melody and distinction of harmony.'
Dennis Noble (Baritone, with Orchestra)
Vision Fugitive ('Herodiada')
When Massenet's version of the story of Herod and Salome was to be produced in London, the Censor objected to its title, Herodias, and to the scene of the story being laid in Jerusalem. So the work was called Salome, the names of the characters were changed, the background of the story was shifted to Ethiopia (probably most of the Palestine scenery did just as well-nobody minds, in the opera house!), and everyone was happy.
The Ballet is that by which Herod diverts himself and tries to forget Salome. There are in this Suite five pieces-Dances of Egyptians, Babylonians, Gauls and Phoenicians, and a Finale. 'Fleeting Vision' ('Vision Fugitive') is Herod's song about Salome, whose imago haunts him.
Orchestra
Scenes Napolitaines - The Dance; The Fete Meditation from 'Thais'
The monk, Athanael, has visited his old friend, Thaïs, in an attempt to convert her from her life as a courtesan.
He has been to her house, and she has openly mocked him. But he is not discouraged, and has left her with the words, 'At thy threshold until daylight I will await thy coming.'
Hero, in the Opera, is played the well-known Meditation. As to the significance of the piece, perhaps one should add that Thais repents and takes the veil, and Athanael finds too late that he is in love with her. (The Opera is, of course, founded upon Anatole France 's novel of the same name.)
Valse from 'Cigale'
Dennis Noble
Serenade du Passant
Elegie (with Violin obligato)
Orchestra
Berceuse and Entr'acte, Sevillana from 'Don Cesar de Bazan'
Don Cesar was written in haste. Another composer had undertaken to compose music for a libretto with this title, but withdrew only four weeks before it was to be produced. Massenet stepped into the breach, and had the score ready in time.
The Cradle Song is sung by the boy Lazarillo, who helps Don Cesar to escape from prison. The Spanish piece, Sevillana, was one of the greatest successes in the work.
Scene Alsacienne, 'Sunday Evening'.
The Last Dream of the Virgin