Samson et Dalila

The story of Samson et Dalila

Samson rouses his people to war against the Philistines. But it is his transgressive passion for Dalila that will ignite a conflict with deadly consequences. Where does his extraordinary strength come from? In the battle for faith and loyalty, Samson’s power – both physical and spiritual – are put to the ultimate test.

A French prodigy and a hybrid work

Camille Saint-Saëns is best known today as the composer of the orchestral work, The Carnival of the Animals, and his bombastic organ symphony. A musical prodigy, he was born in 1835 and raised in Paris, where he studied organ and composition at the city’s Conservatoire. His opera, Samson et Dalila, started life as an oratorio (a work for concert performance), and it remains something of a hybrid piece, existing in the space between opera and oratorio. Saint-Saëns was encouraged to complete the work by the composer and pianist Franz Liszt. Their pivotal conversation took place after Saint-Saëns attended a performance of Wagner’s opera Das Rheingold, conducted by Liszt.

A song of seduction

The most famous aria from Samson et Dalila is Dalila’s seductive aria, ‘Mon coeur s’ouvre à ta voix’ (Softly awakes my heart). It is sung by Dalila as she persuades Samson to give into temptation and sleep with her. The beautiful melody – a soaring tune that rises to the upper limits of the mezzo-soprano range – belies the violent consequences it will engender: in a moment of weakness, Samson will reveal the source of his strength, leading to his betrayal by Dalila, his imprisonment and, lastly, his blinding by his Philistine captors.

A biblical epic for the ages

The Samson and Delilah story has inspired a famous painting by Peter Paul Rubens, an oratorio (Samson) by Handel, and a host of films. They are biblical figures, and their story is found in the Old Testament Book of Judges. Samson’s extraordinary strength, which resides in his long hair, is one of the great legends of the bible. His strength disappears when he is betrayed by Delilah and she cuts his hair.  

A Bacchanalian Frenzy

The Bacchanale, during which the Philistines worship their god, Dagon, is a great showcase for the orchestra. The music builds to a dizzying frenzy, and, if the original stage directions are followed, culminates in a full-scale orgy! In Richard Jones’ production, a huge blue sculpture is wheeled on, and the Royal Opera Chorus, costumed in glittering gold costumes and jewellery, perform a thunderous line dance in Dagon’s honour, while dancers leap and prance across the stage in a jaw-dropping spectacle.

To find out more about the opera, including key plot points and background information, read our Samson et Dalila Opera Essentials page.