Description

Erato Saint-Saëns Samson et Dalila 3-CD Opera Box Set

Vadonatúj! Gyári csomagolásban! Fóliázott! Mint a képen! Vásároljon bizalommal! Foliaban!

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UPC: 5099908819826
Product Type: 2-CD + Bonus Disc (Total 3 CDs)
Brand Name: Erato / Warner Classics
Series: The Home of Opera
MPN: 50999 0 88198 2 6
Genre: Classical / Opera
Style: Romantic / French Opera
Composer: Camille Saint-Saëns
Conductor: Myung-Whun Chung
Principal Cast: Plácido Domingo (Samson), Waltraud Meier (Dalila), Alain Fondary, Samuel Ramey
Release Year: 2011 (Reissue of 1992 recording)

Product Features

Format: 3 Compact Discs (CD) in a multi-disc jewel case.
Bonus Material: Includes a third disc containing the complete libretto and synopsis in digital format (accessible via computer).
Performers: Chœurs et Orchestre de l’Opéra Bastille.
Recording Venue: Opéra-Bastille, Paris (July 1991).
Audio Quality: Digital Stereo (DDD).
Language: Sung in French.

Overview

Immerse yourself in one of the most powerful biblical epics ever set to music. This Erato release of Camille Saint-Saëns’ masterpiece, Samson et Dalila, features a legendary cast led by the incomparable Plácido Domingo and the sensuous mezzo-soprano Waltraud Meier. Conducted with "pagan ruthlessness" and "Wagnerian harmony" by Myung-Whun Chung, this recording is widely considered one of the most expertly conducted versions of the opera ever captured on disc.

The story follows the Hebrew hero Samson, whose supernatural strength is betrayed by the seductive Dalila. From the stirring choruses of the oppressed Hebrews to the famous, intoxicating aria "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix," this set delivers a "Precision Engineered Performance" that captures the grandeur of the Opéra Bastille. Part of "The Home of Opera" series, this set includes a bonus disc featuring the full libretto and synopsis, ensuring you can follow every dramatic word of Ferdinand Lemaire's text.

Interesting Facts

A "Historical" Pairing: Plácido Domingo has recorded the role of Samson multiple times, but critics often cite this 1992 recording (reissued here) as one of his finest, noting his mature vocal power and improved French diction.
Waltraud Meier's Debut: This recording marked a significant moment for Waltraud Meier, whose background in Wagnerian roles brought a unique, dramatic weight to the character of Dalila, making her more than just a typical femme fatale.
The Orchestral Brilliance: Conductor Myung-Whun Chung is credited with "welding" the disparate elements of the score together. Under his baton, the Opéra Bastille orchestra highlights Saint-Saëns' brilliance as a symphonist, particularly in the rhythmic Bacchanale of Act 3.
The Libretto Disc: Unlike older sets with thick paper booklets, this edition includes a bonus CD-ROM containing the synopsis and libretto with translations in English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian.

Track Listing

CD 1: Act 1 (Total Time: 46:17)

Includes the opening cries of the Hebrews, Samson's call to arms, and the first appearance of Dalila.
Key tracks: "Arrêtez, ô mes frères!", "Printemps qui commence".

CD 2: Acts 2 & 3 (Total Time: 77:17)

Act 2: The seductive encounter at the valley of Sorek.
Act 3: Samson’s blindness, the millstone, and the final collapse of the Temple of Dagon.
Key tracks: "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix", "Danse des prêtresses de Dagon", "Bacchanale".

CD 3: Bonus Disc