Samson et Dalila

Samson et Dalila (Samson and Delilah) (Saint-Saëns). Libretto by Ferdinand Lemaire; 3 acts; first performance Weimar 1877, conducted by Eduard Lassen.

Gaza, 1150 BC: Samson rouses the Hebrews to revolt against their Philistine oppressors. Their prayers attract the attention of the satrap of Gaza, Abimélech, who rebukes them and attacks Samson, who slays him. The Philistine Dalila begs Samson, who has previously rejected her, to visit her again. The High Priest of Dagon enlists her help to overthrow Samson - she must obtain from him the secret of his enormous strength. Samson arrives and surrenders totally to Dalila, admitting his strength lies in his hair. Dalila cuts it off and summons the Philistines, who are now able to overcome him. The Hebrews feel he has betrayed them. Dalila and the High Priest mock Samson, who prays to God that he might, just once, have back his strength. This granted, he pulls down the pillars supporting the temple, killing his enemies and himself.