File:Massenet - Thaïs - Hector Dufranne as Athanael - Matzene - The Victrola book of the opera.jpg

Identifier: victrolabookofop00vict (find matches)
Title: The Victrola book of the opera : stories of one hundred and twenty operas with seven-hundred illustrations and descriptions of twelve-hundred Victor opera records
Year: 1917 (1910s)
Authors: Victor Talking Machine Company Rous, Samuel Holland
Subjects: Operas
Publisher: Camden, N.J. : Victor Talking Machine Co.
Contributing Library: Harold B. Lee Library
Digitizing Sponsor: Brigham Young University

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the courtesan to the higher life. SCENE II—The House of Nicias at AlexandriaAthanael arrives and is warmly greeted by Nicias,who knew the monk years before. The traveler tellshis old friend he has come to the capital to teachThais the better life, but Nicias only laughs at himand scoffs at the idea. However, he has his slavesdress the monk in rich robes, and when Thais arrivesshe is soon curious about the handsome stranger,whose severe demeanor arouses her interest. Themonk tells her he has come to Alexandria to teachher salvation and the life everlasting, but she saysshe believes only in joy and love and pleasure.In horror at the revelry which is planned for theevening, Athanael leaves, declaring he will see Thaisdufranne as athanael at her home and show her the true light. ACT II SCENE I—Thais ApartmentsThe second act takes place in the luxurious home of Thais. Athanael enters, steelinghimself against the seductive charms of Thais, and eloquently pleads with her for the new 488
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VICTROLA BOOK OF THE OPERA-MASSENETS THAIS and higher love and the life to come.Thais is at first frightened and thendefiant, but Athanael declares that shewill yet repent, and that he will awaither coming. SCENE II—A Street in Alexandria The next scene is in the square atdawn, where Thais comes to Athanael,renounces her life of pleasure, and tellshim she will follow wherever he leads.He urges her to put a torch to all herearthly possessions, and she permits himto set fire to her palace. Nicias now ap-pears with his joyous companions, sing-ing and dancing. In the midst of therevelry they discover Thais in her sombregarments, and becoming infuriated overher departure, and the firing of herhouse, threaten to hang Athanael. Nicias,realizing the seriousness of the situa-tion, diverts his followers by scatteringgold coins among them, and in thescramble which follows Thais and Atha-nael make their escape. ACT III SCENE I—A Desert Oasis

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