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"Samson et Dalila," Op. 47, is an opera composed by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Here are some interesting facts about this work:

1. Composition and Premiere:

   • Camille Saint-Saëns composed "Samson et Dalila" between 1869 and 1877. However, it wasn't premiered in its entirety until 1877 in Weimar, Germany.

2. Biblical Inspiration:

   • The opera is based on the biblical story of Samson and Delilah, which is found in the Book of Judges in the Old Testament.

3. German Premiere and Wagner's Influence:

   • The premiere of "Samson et Dalila" was conducted by the famous German composer Richard Wagner. Despite the German premiere, Saint-Saëns was French, and the opera is considered part of the French Romantic opera tradition.

4. Initially Rejected in France:

   • Interestingly, the opera was initially rejected by the Paris Opéra, possibly due to its biblical subject matter. It finally had its French premiere at the Casino de Montecarlo in 1890.

5. Famous Aria "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix":

   • One of the most well-known pieces from the opera is Dalila's aria "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" ("My heart opens itself to your voice"). It is a seductive and passionate aria expressing Dalila's love for Samson.

6. Three Acts:

   • "Samson et Dalila" is divided into three acts. The first act is set in the Valley of Sorek, the second in Dalila's dwelling in Gaza, and the third in the Temple of Dagon.

7. Orchestral Suites:

   • In addition to the opera, Saint-Saëns also created two orchestral suites extracted from the opera. These suites are often performed independently in concert settings and include some of the most recognizable themes from the opera.

"Samson et Dalila" remains a significant work in the operatic repertoire, celebrated for its dramatic storytelling and lush, exotic musical language.