Sansone e Dalila: Opera in Tre Atti (Classic Reprint)

by Camille Saint-Saëns

This book is an action-packed retelling of the biblical epic of Samson and Delilah, where the battle between faith and temptation is played out against the backdrop of an ancient war between the Israelites and the Philistines. Through the story of a man divinely chosen to lead his people but brought low by betrayal, the author explores the themes of power, revenge, and redemption, asking how far one man can fall in his quest for love. The book delves deep into these characters, capturing their hopes, fears, and the ultimately tragic consequences of their actions.

Genres: Music

48 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 1877

About the author

Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns (French pronunciation: [ʃaʁl kamij sɛ̃sɑ̃s]) was a French late-Romantic composer, organist, conductor, and pianist. He is known especially for The Carnival of the Animals, Danse macabre, Samson and Delilah, Piano Concerto No. 2, Cello Concerto No. 1, Havanaise, Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, and his Symphony No. 3 (Organ Symphony).

Reviews

[Christopher Waller · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a biblical opera written during the 19th Century, this is fairly low brow. A guilty pleasure, then.

Worth listening to:
-- the choral overture, atmospheric and stirring. The one time this opera has any sense of gravitas.
-- "Dance of the Priestesses of Dagon," a charming and delicate little entr'acte. A hidden gem.
-- "Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix," a gorgeous love aria/duet, admittedly undercut by the fact Delilah is lying through her teeth.
-- "Danse Bacchanale," a trashy but highly enjoyable dopamine rush.

The rest is more or less empty calories and can safely be avoided, I think.

The score-book I read is a nicely bound piano reduction in a lovely hardcover, but suffers from an obnoxious translation. In retrospect, this isn't really the sort of piece which rewards score analysis.

[Javier Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a perfect opera ending. Everybody on stage gets crushed to death. THE END