The epic story of Samson and Delilah emerges from the pages of its biblical origins to an opulent spectacle in Saint-Saëns’s opera. This indulgent show of beautiful visuals and dance contains well-known arias equivalent to “Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix” (“My coronary heart opens itself to your voice”). Study the story earlier than you see it reside!
Expertise this opera on stage on the Ellie Caulkins Opera Home this Could. Get tickets right this moment>>
THE ORIGINS OF SAMSON AND DELILAH
Composer–Camille Saint-Saëns (October 9, 1835–December 16, 1921)
Librettist–Ferdinand Lemaire (1832–1879)
Premiere–December 2, 1877 at Weimar (Grand Ducal Theatre)
Supply Materials–The opera is predicated on a biblical story present in Chapter 16 of the E-book of Judges within the Outdated Testomony.
THE CHARACTERS OF SAMSON AND DELILAH
Dalilah (mezzo-soprano)–A priestess of Dagon. Performed by Katharine Goeldner, who’s making her Opera Colorado debut.
Samson (tenor)– Chief of the Israelites. Performed by Rafael Davila, returning to Opera Colorado after performing in Tosca (Cavaradossi) in 2021.
Excessive Priest of Dagon (baritone)–A non secular official. Performed by Nmon Ford, returning to Opera Colorado after performing in Carmen (Escamillo) in 2022.
Abimelech (bass)–A provincial governor. Performed by Christian Zaremba, returning to Opera Colorado after performing in Rigoletto (Sparafucile) in 2022.
THE PLOT OF SAMSON AND DELILAH
SETTING
The Sorek Valley round 1200–1000 B.C.E.
ACT ONE
The Hebrew individuals cry out in worry that their God has deserted them, whereas their chief, Samson, encourages them to have religion. He galvanizes them into preventing for his or her freedom from slavery beneath the Philistines. Abimelech arrives and taunts the Hebrews, difficult them to imagine his Dagon is superior to their God. An aggravated Samson fights Abimelech who falls because the Hebrews flee. The Excessive Priest of Dagon enters, outraged to discover a slain Abimelech. He curses the lacking Hebrews and plots revenge.
The subsequent day, the Hebrews provide a humble prayer as Delilah and different Philistine girls emerge from a temple with flowers. Delilah dances with the opposite girls and tells Samson he has claimed her coronary heart. He admits to feeling tempted by her, however different Hebrew males attempt to persuade him to not fall for Delilah’s seduction. Delilah continues to bop and sings of the approaching of spring and all its delights to additional tempt Samson to come back together with her. The 2 catch one another’s eyes and Samson seems to be spellbound.
ACT TWO
Delilah relaxes in her house, assured in her skill to lure Samson to her and trick him into seize. The Excessive Priest of Dagon enters to reward her for enchanting Samson. He explains Samson was blessed with unbelievable energy, nevertheless it appears Delilah can weaken him together with her attraction. The 2 plot to make use of Delilah’s affect over Samson to beat their rival’s strongest warrior. The Excessive Priest of Dagon provides her gold for serving to her individuals by taking down Samson. She refuses rewards, claiming revenge and victory over the Hebrews is her solely motivation.
Because the sky grows darkish, Samson arrives to profess his love for Delilah. She claims to like him as nicely, however states he should share the key of his energy together with her to solidify their connection. Samson hears thunder within the distance and, believing this to be an indication from God, refuses to reveal his secret. Delilah continues to strain Samson and he succumbs to her attraction. Delilah learns his hair is what offers Samson his energy. When Samson lets down his guard, the Philistine troopers arrive to arrest him, and Samson cries out in anguish over Delilah’s betrayal.
ACT THREE
Samson is chained and his hair has been reduce off. He expresses his guilt for trusting Delilah, so he provides his life as a sacrifice in retribution for forsaking his God and his individuals. The Hebrew individuals really feel damage and confused as they attempt to perceive how Samson, their strongest warrior, succumbed to lust for Delilah as an alternative of loyalty to his individuals. Samson is finally dragged away. The Philistines put together for his or her victory over the Hebrews and rejoice with the Bacchanale.
Samson is dragged in entrance of the Excessive Priest of Dagon and Delilah to be sacrificed. The Excessive Priest ridicules Samson, and Delilah taunts him by revealing her affections had been a ruse. Samson is led to be chained between two pillars of the temple. Because the Excessive Priest and Delilah rejoice their impending victory, Samson calls upon God to briefly return his energy. He pulls at his bindings and brings down the temple, sacrificing himself and taking down his foes within the course of.
See it for Your self
What are you most excited to see on this opera? Tell us within the feedback under.
Catch the opera on Could 4, 7, 10, or 12 on the Ellie Caulkins Opera Home. Get tickets right this moment>>
