Meditation from Thaïs, Jules Massenet on a 1966 Felix Manzanero (ex. Laurindo Almeida)

This recording features one of the most beloved melodies in the classical repertoire—"Meditation" from the opera Thaïs by the French composer Jules Massenet (1842–1912). Originally written as an orchestral intermezzo for solo violin and orchestra, the piece appears between the scenes of Act II, symbolizing the spiritual transformation of the courtesan Thaïs as she begins her journey from worldly luxury toward faith and redemption. Today, Meditation has become one of Massenet's most enduring works and has been beautifully adapted for many instruments, including the classical guitar. For this performance, I had the privilege of playing a remarkable 1966 Felix Manzanero classical guitar—an instrument that was once owned by the legendary guitarist Laurindo Almeida. Although this guitar has since found a new home, I wanted to preserve its extraordinary voice through this recording. Felix Manzanero was a respected Madrid-based luthier whose instruments embody the traditions of the great Spanish guitar-making school. Built with exceptional craftsmanship and attention to tonal balance, Manzanero guitars are admired for their warmth, clarity, and lyrical character. While fewer were produced than those of some of his contemporaries, his finest instruments have earned a loyal following among professional performers and collectors. This particular guitar carries an even richer history through its association with Laurindo Almeida (1917–1995). Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Almeida became one of the twentieth century's most influential guitarists. After moving to the United States, he enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning classical music, jazz, film, and popular recordings. His pioneering collaborations with jazz musicians in the 1950s helped lay the foundation for what would later become known as bossa nova, while his elegant classical performances introduced countless listeners to the expressive possibilities of the nylon-string guitar. Almeida won multiple Grammy Awards and remains one of the most important ambassadors of the classical guitar. I hope you enjoy hearing this historic instrument brought back to life through one of the most beautiful melodies ever written. Thank you for watching. Demo by: David Trevors Recorded at: Mill Valley, CA www.millvalleyguitars.com If you enjoy performances on rare vintage classical guitars, please SUBSCRIBE! New videos featuring rare and exceptional Spanish and concert instruments are released regularly. . . . #ClassicalGuitar #Meditation #Thais #JulesMassenet #FelixManzanero #LaurindoAlmeida #DavidTrevors #MillValleyGuitars #VintageClassicalGuitar #SpanishGuitar #ClassicalMusic #GuitarPerformance #NylonStringGuitar #HistoricGuitars #MadridLuthier #RareGuitars #ConcertGuitar #ClassicalGuitarMusic #FineInstruments #ClassicalGuitarDemo