from Act I of the French opera
Samson et Dalila by Camille Saint-Saëns
Libretto: Ferdinand Lemaire
Role: Samson, the leader of the Israelites
Voice Part: tenor Fach: dramatic tenor/heldentenor
Setting: the public square of Gaza, ancient Palestine
Synopsis: The enslaved Hebrews are made to work by their masters, the Philistines. Samson is the only Israelite that still has faith that the Lord will come through for them and deliver them from slavery. He attempts to revive their morale and their faith, telling them that God will not let the Israelites down as long as they have faith in him.