Maria Callas, Commendatore OMRI (Greek:Μαρία Κάλλας; December 2, 1923– September 16, 1977), was a Greek-Americansoprano, and one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century. Some critics praised her bel canto technique, wide-ranging voice and dramatic interpretations, while others found her voice displeasing and considered that a defective technique was responsible for her premature decline. Her repertoire ranged from classical opera seria to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini and Rossini and further, to the works of Verdi and Puccini; and, in her early career, to the music dramas of Wagner. The press dubbed her La Divina.
Born in New York City and raised by an overbearing mother, she received her musical education in Greece and established her career in Italy. Forced to deal with the exigencies of wartime poverty and with myopia that left her nearly blind onstage, she endured struggles and scandal over the course of her career. She turned herself from a heavy woman into a svelte and glamorous one after a mid-career weight loss, which might have contributed to her vocal decline and the premature end of her career. The press exulted in publicizing Callas's temperamental behavior, her supposed rivalry with Renata Tebaldi and her love affair with Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis. Although her dramatic life and personal tragedy have often overshadowed Callas the artist in the popular press, her artistic achievements were such that Leonard Bernstein called her "the Bible of opera" and her influence so enduring that, in 2006, Opera News wrote of her: "Nearly thirty years after her death, she's still the definition of the diva as artist—and still one of classical music's best-selling vocalists."
The opera is based on the Biblical tale of Samson and Delilah found in Chapter 16 of the Book of Judges in the Old Testament. It is the only opera by Saint-Saëns that is regularly performed. The second act love scene in Delilah's tent is one of the set pieces that define French opera. Two of Delilah's arias are particularly well known: "Printemps qui commence" and "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" ("My heart opens itself to your voice", also known as "Softly awakes my heart"), the latter of which is one of the most popular recital pieces in the mezzo-soprano/contralto repertoire.
Composition history
In the middle of the 19th century, a revival of interest in choral music swept France, and Saint-Saëns, an admirer of the oratorios of Handel and Mendelssohn, made plans to compose an oratorio on the subject of Samson and Delilah as suggested by Voltaire's libretto Samson for Rameau. The composer began work on the theme in 1867, just two years after completing his first (and as then yet unperformed) opera, Le timbre d'argent. Saint-Saëns had approached Ferdinand Lemaire, the husband of one of his wife's cousins, about writing a libretto for the oratorio but Lemaire convinced the composer that the story was better suited to an opera.
According to the biblical account, Samson was given supernatural strength by God in order to combat his enemies and perform heroic feats such as killing a lion, slaying an entire army with only the jawbone of an ass, and destroying a pagan temple. Samson had two vulnerabilities, however: his attraction to untrustworthy women and his hair, without which he was powerless. These vulnerabilities ultimately proved fatal for him.
In some Jewish and Christian traditions, Samson is believed to have been buried in Tel Tzora in Israel overlooking the Sorek valley. There reside two large gravestones of Samson and his father Manoah. Nearby stands Manoah’s altar (Judges 13:19–24). It is located between the cities of Zorah and Eshtaol.
Samson (HWV 57) is a three-act oratorio by George Frideric Handel, considered one of his finest dramatic works. It is usually performed as an oratorio in concert form, but on occasions has also been staged as an opera. The well-known arias "Let the bright Seraphim" (for soprano) and "Total eclipse" (for tenor) are often performed separately in concert.
History
Handel began its composition immediately after completing Messiah on 14 September 1741. It uses a libretto by Newburgh Hamilton, who based it on Milton's Samson Agonistes, which in turn was based on the figure Samson in Chapter 16 of the Book of Judges. Handel completed the first act on 20 September 1741, the second act on 11 October that year and the whole work on 29 October. Shortly after that he travelled to Dublin to put on the premiere of Messiah, returning to London at the end of August 1742 and thoroughly revising Samson.
The premiere was given at Covent Garden in London on 18 February 1743, with the incidental organ music probably the recently completed concerto in A major (HWV 307). The oratorio was a great success, leading to a total of seven performances in its first season, the most in a single season of any of his oratorios. Samson retained its popularity throughout Handel's lifetime and has never fallen entirely out of favor since.
The locomotive was built in 1838 by Timothy Hackworth at his Soho Works in Durham, England. Samson represents an early design of steam locomotive with a return-flue boiler. The fireman and engineer worked separately on open platforms at either end of the locomotive. It was commissioned for the General Mining Association along with two other locomotives, "Hercules" and "John Buddle" for the Albion Mines Railway to serve mines in Pictou County, Nova Scotia.
Arrival
The locomotives arrived unassembled aboard the brig Ythan in May 1839. Two engineers arrived with the locomotives, including George Davidson, who helped build the locomotives in England and would settle in Nova Scotia to work with Samson for the rest of his career. The new railway officially opened with a large celebration on September 19, 1839, although the tracks were not actually completed to the coal pier until May 1840.
MARIA CALLAS - "Mon Coeur s'ouvre a ta voix - Samson and Delilah ~ REMASTERED
1961 RECORDING ~ REVISED and REMASTERED
"La Divina" Maria Callas performs from Samson and Delilah, "Mon Coeur s'ouvre a ta voix" in a remastered and revised recording made in 1961. The orchestra was conducted by Georges Pretre
published: 13 Feb 2016
Maria Callas "Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix "
Samson et Dalila
Camille Saint-Saëns
Georges Pretre
1961
Para Maite.
published: 24 Jun 2007
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act 2: Air. "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" (Dalila)
Provided to YouTube by Warner Classics
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act 2: Air. "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" (Dalila) · Maria Callas
La Divina
℗ A Warner Classics release, ℗ 1961, 1987 Parlophone Records Limited
Engineer: Francis Dillnutt
Conductor: Georges Prêtre
Soprano Vocals: Maria Callas
Orchestra: Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Française
Producer: Walter Legge
Composer: Camille Saint-Saens
Auto-generated by YouTube.
published: 22 Jul 2017
Maria Callas - Mon Coeur S'ouvre à Ta Voix
Just Music. Maria Callas sings "Mon Coeur S'ouvre à Ta Voix" from "Samson Et Dalila" by Camille Saint-Saëns in this recording with the Orchestre National de la Radiodisffusion Francais where Georges Petre is conducting.
The copyright of this sound recording owned by EMI Records Ltd. (P)1982 EMI.
published: 28 Nov 2006
Samson et Dalila: “Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix”
Anita Rachvelishvili sings Dalila's Act II aria. Production: Darko Tresnjak. Conductor: Sir Mark Elder. 2018–19 season.
published: 14 Mar 2019
Samson et Dalila: “Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix”
Elīna Garanča sings Dalila’s Act II aria on Opening Night. Production: Darko Tresnjak. Conductor: Sir Mark Elder. 2018–19 season.
published: 25 Sep 2018
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act II: Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix
Provided to YouTube by Sony Classical
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act II: Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix · Anita Rachvelishvili · Camille Saint-Saëns · Giacomo Sagripanti · Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della Rai
Anita
℗ 2018 Sony Music Entertainment
Released on: 2018-03-02
Librettist: Ferdinand Lemaire
Producer: Jakob Händel
Auto-generated by YouTube.
published: 01 Mar 2018
Elīna Garanča: "Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix". C. Saint Saëns
Mezzo: Elina Garanca.
Ópera-Gala en Baden-Baden,2007.
Otros cantantes en aquella Gala:
Elīna Garanča,
Anna Netrebko,
Ramón Vargas,
Ludovic Tézier,
Orquesta sinfónica de Baden-Baden y Friburgo.
Marco Armiliato.
Este es un vídeo con finalidad educativa y cultural.
published: 18 Dec 2012
Maria Callas : Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix ['Samson & Dalila' de Camille St-Saëns]
1961 RECORDING ~ REVISED and REMASTERED
"La Divina" Maria Callas performs from Samson and Delilah, "Mon Coeur s'ouvre a ta voix" in a remastered and revised rec...
1961 RECORDING ~ REVISED and REMASTERED
"La Divina" Maria Callas performs from Samson and Delilah, "Mon Coeur s'ouvre a ta voix" in a remastered and revised recording made in 1961. The orchestra was conducted by Georges Pretre
1961 RECORDING ~ REVISED and REMASTERED
"La Divina" Maria Callas performs from Samson and Delilah, "Mon Coeur s'ouvre a ta voix" in a remastered and revised recording made in 1961. The orchestra was conducted by Georges Pretre
Provided to YouTube by Warner Classics
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act 2: Air. "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" (Dalila) · Maria Callas
La Divina
℗ A Warner Classi...
Provided to YouTube by Warner Classics
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act 2: Air. "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" (Dalila) · Maria Callas
La Divina
℗ A Warner Classics release, ℗ 1961, 1987 Parlophone Records Limited
Engineer: Francis Dillnutt
Conductor: Georges Prêtre
Soprano Vocals: Maria Callas
Orchestra: Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Française
Producer: Walter Legge
Composer: Camille Saint-Saens
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by Warner Classics
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act 2: Air. "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" (Dalila) · Maria Callas
La Divina
℗ A Warner Classics release, ℗ 1961, 1987 Parlophone Records Limited
Engineer: Francis Dillnutt
Conductor: Georges Prêtre
Soprano Vocals: Maria Callas
Orchestra: Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Française
Producer: Walter Legge
Composer: Camille Saint-Saens
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Just Music. Maria Callas sings "Mon Coeur S'ouvre à Ta Voix" from "Samson Et Dalila" by Camille Saint-Saëns in this recording with the Orchestre National de la ...
Just Music. Maria Callas sings "Mon Coeur S'ouvre à Ta Voix" from "Samson Et Dalila" by Camille Saint-Saëns in this recording with the Orchestre National de la Radiodisffusion Francais where Georges Petre is conducting.
The copyright of this sound recording owned by EMI Records Ltd. (P)1982 EMI.
Just Music. Maria Callas sings "Mon Coeur S'ouvre à Ta Voix" from "Samson Et Dalila" by Camille Saint-Saëns in this recording with the Orchestre National de la Radiodisffusion Francais where Georges Petre is conducting.
The copyright of this sound recording owned by EMI Records Ltd. (P)1982 EMI.
Provided to YouTube by Sony Classical
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act II: Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix · Anita Rachvelishvili · Camille Saint-Saëns · Giacomo Sagr...
Provided to YouTube by Sony Classical
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act II: Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix · Anita Rachvelishvili · Camille Saint-Saëns · Giacomo Sagripanti · Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della Rai
Anita
℗ 2018 Sony Music Entertainment
Released on: 2018-03-02
Librettist: Ferdinand Lemaire
Producer: Jakob Händel
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by Sony Classical
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act II: Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix · Anita Rachvelishvili · Camille Saint-Saëns · Giacomo Sagripanti · Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della Rai
Anita
℗ 2018 Sony Music Entertainment
Released on: 2018-03-02
Librettist: Ferdinand Lemaire
Producer: Jakob Händel
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Mezzo: Elina Garanca.
Ópera-Gala en Baden-Baden,2007.
Otros cantantes en aquella Gala:
Elīna Garanča,
Anna Netrebko,
Ramón Vargas,
Ludovic Tézier,
Orquesta sin...
Mezzo: Elina Garanca.
Ópera-Gala en Baden-Baden,2007.
Otros cantantes en aquella Gala:
Elīna Garanča,
Anna Netrebko,
Ramón Vargas,
Ludovic Tézier,
Orquesta sinfónica de Baden-Baden y Friburgo.
Marco Armiliato.
Este es un vídeo con finalidad educativa y cultural.
Mezzo: Elina Garanca.
Ópera-Gala en Baden-Baden,2007.
Otros cantantes en aquella Gala:
Elīna Garanča,
Anna Netrebko,
Ramón Vargas,
Ludovic Tézier,
Orquesta sinfónica de Baden-Baden y Friburgo.
Marco Armiliato.
Este es un vídeo con finalidad educativa y cultural.
1961 RECORDING ~ REVISED and REMASTERED
"La Divina" Maria Callas performs from Samson and Delilah, "Mon Coeur s'ouvre a ta voix" in a remastered and revised recording made in 1961. The orchestra was conducted by Georges Pretre
Provided to YouTube by Warner Classics
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act 2: Air. "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" (Dalila) · Maria Callas
La Divina
℗ A Warner Classics release, ℗ 1961, 1987 Parlophone Records Limited
Engineer: Francis Dillnutt
Conductor: Georges Prêtre
Soprano Vocals: Maria Callas
Orchestra: Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Française
Producer: Walter Legge
Composer: Camille Saint-Saens
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Just Music. Maria Callas sings "Mon Coeur S'ouvre à Ta Voix" from "Samson Et Dalila" by Camille Saint-Saëns in this recording with the Orchestre National de la Radiodisffusion Francais where Georges Petre is conducting.
The copyright of this sound recording owned by EMI Records Ltd. (P)1982 EMI.
Provided to YouTube by Sony Classical
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act II: Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix · Anita Rachvelishvili · Camille Saint-Saëns · Giacomo Sagripanti · Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della Rai
Anita
℗ 2018 Sony Music Entertainment
Released on: 2018-03-02
Librettist: Ferdinand Lemaire
Producer: Jakob Händel
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Mezzo: Elina Garanca.
Ópera-Gala en Baden-Baden,2007.
Otros cantantes en aquella Gala:
Elīna Garanča,
Anna Netrebko,
Ramón Vargas,
Ludovic Tézier,
Orquesta sinfónica de Baden-Baden y Friburgo.
Marco Armiliato.
Este es un vídeo con finalidad educativa y cultural.
Maria Callas, Commendatore OMRI (Greek:Μαρία Κάλλας; December 2, 1923– September 16, 1977), was a Greek-Americansoprano, and one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century. Some critics praised her bel canto technique, wide-ranging voice and dramatic interpretations, while others found her voice displeasing and considered that a defective technique was responsible for her premature decline. Her repertoire ranged from classical opera seria to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini and Rossini and further, to the works of Verdi and Puccini; and, in her early career, to the music dramas of Wagner. The press dubbed her La Divina.
Born in New York City and raised by an overbearing mother, she received her musical education in Greece and established her career in Italy. Forced to deal with the exigencies of wartime poverty and with myopia that left her nearly blind onstage, she endured struggles and scandal over the course of her career. She turned herself from a heavy woman into a svelte and glamorous one after a mid-career weight loss, which might have contributed to her vocal decline and the premature end of her career. The press exulted in publicizing Callas's temperamental behavior, her supposed rivalry with Renata Tebaldi and her love affair with Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis. Although her dramatic life and personal tragedy have often overshadowed Callas the artist in the popular press, her artistic achievements were such that Leonard Bernstein called her "the Bible of opera" and her influence so enduring that, in 2006, Opera News wrote of her: "Nearly thirty years after her death, she's still the definition of the diva as artist—and still one of classical music's best-selling vocalists."
Tiresome, out-grown Rebel's seen the light Re-adjusted Dissolved his staunch defiance The Antichrist shifts to the right He wears his 'X' and reviles mine Music to righteous ears Music to righteous ears Music to righteous ears Music to righteous ears Moved out of step-seeking distorted views Slack-brained sound bites serve his public slop Decries our values in decline But should we starve, then that's just fine Knee-jerk reactionary Knee-jerk reactionary The Antichrist shifts to the right His past a convenient oversight Knee-jerk reactionary Knee-jerk reactionary Decries our values in decline He'd flick the switch and watch us fry