Compofactur MusikVerlag is publishing Jules Massenet’s Ave Maria sur la Méditation de Thaïs in new versions for solo voice, choir and orchestra. They are based on the famous Méditation religieuse for solo violin, choir and orchestra from his opera Thaïs and on Massenet’s own arrangement for solo voice, violin, organ and piano or harp.
For a start, the new Ave Maria sur la Méditation de Thaïs is offered in two versions as rental material:
- Ave Maria sur la Méditation de Thaïs for Mezzo-Soprano, Choir (2.2.2.2), Organ (ad lib), Solo Violin and Orchestra (2, 1+EHn, 2+Bs Cl, 2+CBsn – 4, 0, 0, 0 – Timp – Hrp – Str)
- Ave Maria sur la Méditation de Thaïs for Soprano, Choir (2.2.2.2), Organ (ad lib), Solo Violin and Orchestra (2, 1+EHn, 2+Bs Cl, 2+CBsn – 4, 0, 0, 0 – Timp – Hrp – Str)
Furthermore reliable new editions of Massenet’s original versions for solo violin and solo voice are in preparation as well as a big bunch of different versions (see the Publication Schedule below).
The editions mark the launch of a new series called Edition ReVision offering frequently played works and out-of print works in practical editions. The performance material is constantly adjusted and will be provided sometimes in various versions and keys. The series is created in collaboration with Prof. Wieland Reissmann. Edition ReVision is characterised by high-quality typesetting optimised for good sight-reading.
Massenet created with his Ave Maria sur la Méditation de Thaïs a new preghiera (prayer). His original version very quickly became known as his Méditation religieuse in keeping with its characterization and performance marking, “Andante religioso”. The “Méditation” marks a significant shift in the action of the opera and takes place against a religious backdrop, where it functions as an imaginary preghiera and, as it were, as a silent prayer. Massenet rearranged the solo violin part for the vocal line in a few places in such a way that the voice and violin are in harmony. By the way, Massenet recommended that the choir should be be sung either by eight choristers or by four soloists seated within the orchestra.
Like the “Intermezzo sinfonico” from Pietro Mascagni’s opera Cavalleria rusticana, Massenet’s “Méditation” from his opera Thaïs remains one of the most popular intermezzos in the whole history of opera. Mascagni’s Ave Maria continues to be heard on a regular basis both in the concert hall and on record in the most varied arrangements. Among the singers who have performed Mascagni’s Ave Maria are Kathleen Battle, Andrea Bocelli, José Carreras, Joyce DiDonato, Plácido Domingo (in a duet with Sissel), Mirella Freni, Elīna Garanča and Angela Gheorghiu.
In short, Massenet’s Ave Maria sur la Méditation de Thaïs is an attractive alternative to Mascagni’s, or else the two may complement one another in performance. More Info…
Composer: Massenet, Jules (1842–1912)
Lyricist: Anonymous
Edition/Transcription: Spindler, Matthias (*1963)
Opus: Ave Maria sur la Méditation de Thaïs (Concert Version)
Scoring: Mezzo-Soprano – Choir (SATB) – Organ (ad lib) – Solo Violin – Orchestra
Instruments: 2 Fl · 1 Ob · 1 EHn · 2 Cl (A) · 1 Bs Cl (Bb) · 2 Bsn · 1 CBsn – 4 Hn (F) – Timp – Hrp – Str
Key: D major
Duration: 06:00
Composer: Massenet, Jules (1842–1912)
Lyricist: Anonymous
Edition/Transcription: Spindler, Matthias (*1963)
Opus: Ave Maria sur la Méditation de Thaïs (Concert Version)
Scoring: Soprano – Choir (SATB) – Organ (ad lib) – Solo Violin – Orchestra
Instruments: 2 Fl · 1 Ob · 1 EHn · 2 Cl (A) · 1 Bs Cl (Bb) · 2 Bsn · 1 CBsn – 4 Hn (F) – Timp – Hrp – Str
Key: D major
Duration: 06:00
Publication Schedule
- Ave Maria sur la Méditation de Thaïs for Mezzo-Soprano, Choir (2.2.2.2), Organ (ad lib), Solo Violin and Orchestra (2, 2, 2, 2 – 4, 0, 0, 0 – Timp – Hrp – Str)
- Ave Maria sur la Méditation de Thaïs for Soprano, Choir (2.2.2.2), Organ (ad lib), Solo Violin and Orchestra (2, 2, 2, 2 – 4, 0, 0, 0 – Timp – Hrp – Str)
- Ave Maria sur la Méditation de Thaïs for Mezzo-Soprano, Organ (ad lib), Solo Violin and Orchestra (2, 2, 2, 2 – 4, 0, 0, 0 – Timp – Hrp – Str)
- Ave Maria sur la Méditation de Thaïs for Soprano, Organ (ad lib), Solo Violin and Orchestra (2, 2, 2, 2 – 4, 0, 0, 0 – Timp – Hrp – Str)
- Ave Maria composé sur la Méditation de Thaïs for Mezzo-Soprano, Violin, Organ and Piano or Harp
- Ave Maria composé sur la Méditation de Thaïs for Soprano, Violin, Organ and Piano or Harp
- Méditation for Violin, Choir (2.2.2.2) and Orchestra (2, 1+EHn, 2+Bs Cl, 2+CBsn – 4, 0, 0, 0 – Timp – Hrp – Str)
- Méditation for Violin and Orchestra (2, 1+EHn, 2+Bs Cl, 2+CBsn – 4, 0, 0, 0 – Timp – Hrp – Str)
- Méditation for Violin and Orchestra (2, 2, 2, 2 – 4, 0, 0, 0 – Timp – Hrp – Str)
- Méditation for Violoncello and Orchestra (2, 2, 2, 2 – 4, 0, 0, 0 – Timp – Hrp – Str)
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Compofactur MusikVerlag Massenet: Ave Maria sur la Méditation de Thaïs