The Last Sleep of the Virgin

SKU: CN.S11266

A short, melting example of why the music of Jules Massenet was so respected and admired in his native France during his lifetime. The Last Sleep of the Virgin is from the oratorio La Viege and was originally for string orchestra. This masterful arrangement will provide a delightful moment of quiet beauty on your program.

Nestling within the pages of La Viege, an Oratorio written in 1880 but with no evidence of a full performance, is to be found The Last Sleep of the Virgin, a short melting example of why the music of Jules Massenet (1842-1912) was so highly respected and admired in his native France during his lifetime. Massenet composed more than 40 operas, including Herodiade, Manon, Le Cid, and Thais, and his influence on French music was monumental. The Last Sleep of the Virgin was originally scored for string orchestra. This arrangement for woodwind and brass offers the opportunity for this gentle music to be heard in a different hue, whilst keeping its inherent beauty for the satisfaction of those performing it and sharing the experience as listeners.