Last Sleep of the Virgin, The (Massenet)

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.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Level: 3 | Duration: 2:20

Instrumentation
1st Flute
2nd Flute
Oboe*
1st Bb Clarinet
2nd Bb Clarinet
3rd Bb Clarinet
Bb Bass Clarinet*
Bassoon*
1st Eb Alto Saxophone*
2nd Eb Alto Saxophone*
Bb Tenor Saxophone*
Eb Baritone Saxophone*

1st Bb Trumpet
2nd Bb Trumpet
1st F Horn
2nd F Horn
1st Trombone
2nd Trombone*
Euphonium
TC Baritone
Tuba

String Bass

Parts marked with and asterisk (*) are NOT ESSENTIAL, although their presence will obviously enable a fuller realization of the composer's intentions to be achieved.

Program Notes
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.