Composer

:

Camille Saint-Saëns

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1859 - 1877

Average_duration

:

110:05

Movement_count

:

20

Movement ....

"Samson et Dalila" is an opera composed by Camille Saint-Saëns in 1877. The plot is based on the biblical story of Samson and Delilah, with a libretto by Ferdinand Lemaire. The opera is divided into three acts and is set in ancient Palestine. Act I begins with the Hebrews lamenting their oppression by the Philistines. Samson, the Hebrew leader, appears and rallies his people to fight for their freedom. Dalila, a Philistine woman, enters and attempts to seduce Samson, but he resists her advances. The High Priest of Dagon, the Philistine god, arrives and orders Dalila to use her charms to discover the secret of Samson's strength. In Act II, Dalila succeeds in seducing Samson and learns that his strength comes from his long hair. She orders her servants to cut his hair while he sleeps, and the Philistines capture him. The act ends with Samson being blinded and led away in chains. Act III takes place in the temple of Dagon, where the Philistines are celebrating their victory over the Hebrews. Samson is brought in as a prisoner and forced to perform for the Philistines. He prays to God for strength and, with a final burst of energy, brings down the temple, killing himself and his captors. "Samson et Dalila" premiered at the Weimar Court Theatre in Germany on December 2, 1877. The opera was initially met with mixed reviews, but it gained popularity over time and is now considered one of Saint-Saëns' most famous works. The music of "Samson et Dalila" is characterized by its lush orchestration and exotic melodies, reflecting the opera's biblical setting. The opera also features several memorable arias, including Dalila's seductive "Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix" and Samson's powerful "Vois ma misère, hélas!" Overall, "Samson et Dalila" is a dramatic and passionate opera that explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Saint-Saëns' skill as a composer and the timeless appeal of the biblical story.

More....