Jules Massenet was born in Montaud France May 12 1842. He was one of the best-respected French composers of his day and a member of the Academy and a professor of composition at the Paris Conservatoire. Massenet was very influential on other French composers in France. His students were also successful due to Massenet's tutelage. Though he was principally an opera composer he also wrote ballets orchestral works and several oratorios. Massenet died in Paris on August 13 1912.This is the Meditation from Massenet’s famous opera Thais and has been transcribed for solo Viola with Piano accompaniment by Alan Arnold.