Jesus Lopez-Cobos, The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Renee Fleming, Thomas Hampson - Massenet: Thais (2010)

Set in Egypt, Massenet's drama 'Thais' (1894) traces the ill-fated attempt of the monk, Athanaël, to rescue the soul of the celebrated Alexandrian courtesan, Thaïs. Though she is presently living with his wealthy friend Nicias, Athanaël persuades her to renounce her way of life and riches, but as she dies in the desert in a state of grace, he realises he has succumbed to her worldly charms and begs God for mercy. Renée Fleming triumphs as the glamorous courtesan Thaïs in Massenet’s romantic tragedy set in fourth century Alexandria and the Egyptian desert. The timeless struggle between earthly desire and spiritual redemption finally destroys the resolve of the monk Athanaël (Thomas Hampson), just as the newly penitent Thaïs ascends heavenward. Jesús López-Cobos gives a masterly performance of Massenet’s sensuous score, with concert master David Chan contributing a ravishing ‘Méditation’.
“This lavish Met production from 2008 plays up the luxurious exoticism of the work to the hilt. Renée Fleming is voluptuous of voice and appearance as Thaïs, looking appropriately ravishing in Christian Lacroix's gorgeous costumes; Thomas Hampson is a sympathetic, three-dimensional Athanaël, catching the conflicts which drive the character like few others.” (Presto Classical)

Cast:
Thaïs - Renée Fleming
Athanaël - Thomas Hampson
Nicias - Michael Schade
Palémon - Alain Vernhes
Crobyle - Alyson Cambridge
Myrtale - Ginger Costa-Jackson
Guard - Trevor Scheunemann
La Charmeuse - Leah Partridge
Albine - Maria Zifchak
The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Chorus and Ballet
Conductor - Jesús López-Cobos