Samson and Delilah
By Camille Saint-Saëns. To be performed by Bristol Opera from 20th February to 22nd February 2020 at 1532 Performing Arts Centre.
Synopsis
An epic biblical drama based on the Old Testament story Samson and Delilah, composed by Saint-Saëns, is the grandest of grand operas. In a new English translation brilliantly penned by Graham Billing from the French libretto by Ferdinand Lemaire, Bristol Opera presents what it does best: a fully staged, beautifully costumed opera with a professional orchestra.
The story unfolds in Gaza in 1150BC with the plight of the enslaved Hebrews, who pray to God for deliverance from their Philistine oppressors, pinning their hopes on their hero Samson to lead them. In defending himself, Samson kills Abimelech, the Governer of Gaza, and the Hebrews flee.
The High Priest of Dagon plots to use Delilah to trap Samson. With her priestesses, Delilah flirts with Samson, dancing and enticing Samson to visit her home in Sorek. An Old Hebrew warns Samson to fight his desire, to no avail.
In Sorek, Delilah sings of her power over Samson. The High Priest arrives to bribe Delilah with gold but when he tells her that Samson and the Hebrews have destroyed the crops and the harvest, she refuses the gold and seeks only revenge. Delilah agrees to find the secret of Samson's great strength.
Samson arrives in Sorek on his way to lead a revolt to say goodby to Delilah. In a rapturous love song (Softly awakes my heart), Delilah woos Samson, declaring her love for him which he reciprocates. However, despite her pleading, he refuses to tell her the secret of his strength and she runs crying into her house. Samson follows and Delilah learns his secret. She summons the Philistine guards who rush in, capture Samson, and blind him.
Blinded and chained to a heavy mill wheel in a dungeon, Samson prays to God and offers his life as a sacrifice for the freedom of the Hebrews.
At the Temple of Dagon, the High Preist with Delilah, priestesses, and wealthy townsfolk begin a victory celebration before a sacrifice. A wild, hedonistic bacchanal dance ensues before the High Priest orders Samson to come forward to taunts from the crowd.
Chained between two pillars, Samson prays once more to God for the return of his strength. His power is returned and he pulls down the pillars supporting the temple roof, which come crashing down, crushing himself and the Philistines.