《Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix from Samson et Dalila》

Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) : Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix from “Samson et Dalila” As a post-Romantic French composer, Saint-Saëns's versatility and outstanding composition techniques made him an influential figure, and he contributed a lot to many genres of French music. This piece is taken from Samson et Dalila, an opera in three acts. The two famous arias sung by Dalila are "printemps qui commence" and "Mon coueur s'ouvre a ta voix." The latter is taken from Act II of the opera, during which Dilala expresses her love for Samson. It is a choice selection often seen in the concert programs of mezzo-sopranos. The A section of the ABAB form is in triple meter. Although the same melody appears twice, the accompaniment the second time is more enticing than the first. The B section is in quadruple meter. As the piece progresses with the orchestra's accompaniment, the range rises into the higher pitches and the upbeat rhythmic patterns accentuate the love and passion expressed in the melody. The cello used in this recording was made by French luthier Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume (1798-1875) in 1863. The sound of the cello has features strikingly similar to those of the human voice, and it encapsulates the passionate sound of the mezzo-soprano. The piano replaces the original orchestra part. This arrangement for cello and piano gives this charming aria an entirely new rendering. It is worth listening to and enjoying over and over again.