from Act I of the French opera
Samson et Dalila by Camille Saint-Saëns
Libretto: Ferdinand Lemaire
Role: Dalila, Philistine priestess of Dagon
Voice Part: mezzo-soprano Fach: dramatic mezzo
Setting: the public square of Gaza, ancient Palestine
Synopsis: In an attempt to seduce Samson away from his leadership of the Israelite uprising, Dalila and a group of girls dance for him and Dalila describes how spring is blossoming all around her. Yet, in her heart, she feels like it is still winter.