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MASSENET – Meditation (from the opera ‘Thaïs’) – 8 CELLOS

Other Identification:
The “Méditation” from Jules Massenet’s opera Thaïs (composed in 1894) is an instrumental piece, often performed separately, that serves as a musical interlude in Act II. It follows a pivotal confrontation between the monk Athanaël and the courtesan Thaïs, where the music is meant to represent her inner reflection as she contemplates his plea for her to find salvation.

The piece is known for its spiritual and calming quality, with a famous solo violin melody over a gentle string and harp accompaniment. It has received well over a hundred adaptations. The most famous version is for solo violin with orchestra accompaniment, and often including a wordless chorus towards the end when a choir is present. David Johnstone himself has made several different arrangements, all available on the web Johnstone-Music.

Movements or sections:
The tempo is marked as Andante religioso, and it is indeed best at a ‘walking pace’, almost religiously. Although the piece is famously known for being achingly beautiful, spiritual, and calming, some critics, however, have found it too sentimental! It is approximately 4′ 30″ to 5′ 00″ in duration.

Instrumentation: OCTET OF EIGHT CELLOS
Arranged by David Johnstone

Downloads of 2 PDFs:
[1 – General Score
[2 – All individual parts

Approximate difficulty: Medium to Difficult:

The eight cello version is almost as rich as the original orchestral version! Johnstone shares the original soloist line amongst two solo cellists who alternately take the melodic importance of the singing line. All the harp-like arpeggio figures are maintained, in a writing which is very comfortable for cello ensemble or for cello orchestra, and the lower cello parts add simple but rich bass harmony notes.

There are alternative versions of Johnstone for 2 Cellos and Piano, and for Clarinet/Violin, Cello and Piano.

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Who plays Johnstone-Music?

Johnstone Music has been performed by orchestras and conservatories worldwide, earning international recognition in cello repertoire.

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Personal

David Johnstone lives near Pamplona (Navarre, Spain) with his wife Rosa and their two “Spanglish” children, close to the Atlantic Pyrenees. The nearest international airport is Bilbao.

He is interested in world affairs, politics, animal rights, and most sports (including being a lifelong suffering Reading FC fan!). Also passionate about Celtic culture and genealogy, he has traced his ‘English’ family back to 1280, although Scotland and Ireland have also shaped his background. And yes — he is half-ashamed to admit it, he loves silly jokes!

Social Work

David Johnstone supports animal rights, he is against any form of abuse towards them, and says a loud “NO” to bullfighting, foxhunting and any other animal cruelty.

TORTURE IS NOT CULTURE !