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Thaïs
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Thaïs

opera by Massenet
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Jules Massenet's opera Thaïs premiered in 1894. The opera is based on a fictionalized account of a Christian saint named Thaïs, who was a reformed prostitute. The story was also adapted by Anatole France in his 1890 novel of the same name.12

The opera is known for its famous "Méditation" interlude for violin and orchestra, which remains a popular piece in the violin repertoire. While the opera is named after the saint, the historical Thaïs was an Athenian courtesan who accompanied Alexander the Great during his invasion of Persia in the 4th century BCE. An anecdote, though likely apocryphal, suggests she persuaded Alexander to burn Persepolis.21

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. Thais
  2. The Magic Flute
  3. Jules Massenet

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