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Thaïs is an opera by Jules Massenet. The libretto was written by Anatole France. It was first performed in Paris in 1894.
Thaïs is part of the standard operatic repertoire. There are a several recordings of it, and it is occasionally performed. The most recent recording, featuring Renée Fleming in the title role, has received generous praise.
The famous central 'meditation' has now become an essential part of any violinist's repertoire.
"Massenet's Thaïs - about a Christian fundamentalist who sets out to save the soul of a prostitute, then finds his faith undermined by sexuality while she achieves sainthood - is among the perviest of operas," wrote Tim Ashley in The Guardian, 29 November 2002.