Massenet, Jules. (1842-1912) Thais. Comédie Lyrique en 3 Actes et 7 Tableaux.

Massenet, Jules. (1842-1912)

Thais. Comédie Lyrique en 3 Actes et 7 Tableaux.

Paris: Au Menestrel, Heugel et Cie. 1894. 2nd Edition. 8vo. Color title page with the illustration by Jean Veber. 275 pp. Bottom of second page of the Index Table, lists the numbers 4220-3-04. Though the score conforms to all of the 2nd edition points described by Fuld (361), this appears to be an earlier variant than the copy he describes. Original highly ornamental and colored wrappers bound into crimson cloth with half red leather. Music does not continue to verso of final page, though it appears to stop abruptly and includes a key-change in the final printed measure. With a warm inscription from renowned vocal accompanist, James Shomate on the first free endpage.

Thais was first performed in Paris on March 16, 1894.

James Shomate (1914-2001) was the principal accompanist for Anna Moffo, Rise Stevens and many other important singers. Early in his career, he worked as a Hollywood accompanist and helped Irene Dunne, James Cagney and John Boles prepare their musical film roles. (2247)

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