Samson et Dalila by Camille Saint-Saens (1835-1921)
Samson and Delilah (French: Samson et Dalila), Op. 47, is a grand opera in three acts and four scenes by Camille Saint-Saëns to a French libretto by Ferdinand Lemaire. It was first performed in Weimar at the Grossherzogliches (Grand Ducal) Theater (now the Staatskapelle Weimar) on 2 December 1877 in a German translation.
The opera is based on the Biblical tale of Samson and Delilah found in Chapter 16 of the Book of Judges in the Old Testament. It is the only opera by Saint-Saëns that is regularly performed. The second act love scene in Delilah's tent is one of the set pieces that define French opera. Two of Delilah's arias are particularly well known: "Printemps qui commence" and "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" ("My heart opens itself to your voice", also known as "Softly awakes my heart"), the latter of which is one of the most popular recital pieces in the mezzo-soprano/contralto repertoire.
Synopsis of what's happening:
Act 1
A square in Gaza at night
In a square outside the temple of Dagon, a group of Hebrews beg Jehovah for relief from their bondage to the Philistines in a melancholy chorus ("Dieu, d'Israël"), which leads into a fugue ("Nous avons vu nos cités renversées"). Samson tries to revive theIsraelites' morale and faith in God ("Arrêtez, ô mes frères") in a rousing aria set against the chorus's continuous prayer. Abimelech, the Philistine governor, appears and taunts the Israelites, saying that they are helpless because their god has abandoned them. He further states that his god, Dagon, is far superior ("Ce Dieu que votre voix implore"). The Hebrews cower in fear before Abimelech until Samson incites them into defiant action. Enraged, Abimelech attacks an unarmed Samson with his sword. Samson manages to wrest the sword from Abimelech and kills him.
Afraid of what might now happen, the Hebrews flee, abandoning Samson. The High Priest of Dagon comes from the Philistine temple and curses the Hebrews and Samson's prodigious strength. A messenger arrives and informs the High Priest that the Hebrews are destroying the harvest. He responds with a further curse that alludes to his plot to utilize Delilah's beauty to outwit Samson's strength ("Qu'enfin une compagne infâme trahisse son amour!").
As dawn breaks the Hebrews lift up a humble prayer to God in a style reminiscent of plainchant. Out of the temple emerges Dalila along with several priestesses of Dagon. As they walk down the temple steps, they sing of the pleasures of spring. Dalila engages seductively with Samson proclaiming that he has won her heart and bids him to come with her to her home in the valley of Sorek. As she tries to charm him, a trio forms as an old Hebrew warns of the danger this woman presents and Samson prays for God's protection from Dalila's charms. In an attempt to seduce Samson away from his leadership of the Israelite uprising, Dalila and the priestesses begin a sexually charged dance for him accompanied by a tambourine. After the dance, Dalila sings how spring is blossoming all around her yet, in her heart, she feels like it is still winter ("Printemps qui commence"). As Samson struggles with his desire for Dalila, the old Hebrew repeats his cautionary plea. His warning, however, is made in vain and the curtain closes as Samson meets Delilah's gaze with every intention of going to her nearby dwelling.
Printemps qui commence. Portant l'espérance Aux coeurs amoureux, Ton souffle qui passe De la terre efface Les jours malheureux. Tout brûle en notre âme, Et ta douce flamme Vient sécher nos pleurs; Tu rends à la terre, Par un doux mystère, Les fruits et les fleurs. En vain je suis belle! Mon coeur plein d'amour, Pleurant l'infidèle, Attend son retour! Vivant d'espérance, Mon couer désolé Garde souvenance Du bonheur passé! A la nuit tombante J'irai, triste amante, M'asseoir au torrent, L'attendre en pleurant Chassant ma tristesse, S'il revient un jour, A lui ma tendresse Et la douce ivresse, Qu'un brûlant amour Garde à son retour!
bringing hope
to lovers' hearts
your sigh rising
above the earth blots out
unhappy times.
our soul afire
and your sweet flame
dries our tears.
the soft mystery of you
spreads the earth
with fruit and flowers.
no point in being pretty.
my lovesick heart
mourns for my betrayer
but pines for his return.
my desolate heart
remembers
lost happiness.
as night falls
sadly in love I wander
to sit by the river
and wait for him in tears
driving away my sorrow
if he come back one day
I wish him my love
and sweet intoxication
may this burning love
keep until his return.
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