Manon: Minuet and Gavotte [transcription]

MANON, written by Jules Massenet (1842-1912) was composed in 1883 and premiered the following year on January 19 at the Op?ra-Comique. It tells the story of a young woman who, despite being a good person, plays with the emotions of men as she falls in love with the jewelry and luxury of a Parisian life. This excerpt from the beginning of Act 3 features two dances, a Gavotte and a Menuett.  It opens on the promenade of the Cours-la-Reine in Paris with the sparkling Gavotte, followed by a chorus of street vendors. The townspeople sing cheerfully about the holiday and the laughter and drinking it brings.  The excitement settles into a graceful and dignified Menuett. Instrumentation: 1.2.2.2: 2.2Crnt.1.0: Timp.Perc(1): Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set). Reprint edition of the transcription for orchestra of the Minuet and Gavotte by Theodore Moses Tobani.