Saint-Saëns strongman Samson to storm San Juan
By PEGGY ANN BLISS
Special to The STAR
The invincible strongman with the fabled strength-imparting hair will be back in Puerto Rico on Saturday, for one day. But island tenor Rafael Dávila did not have to preserve his auburn locks to be the strongest interpreter of Camille Saint-Saëns’ heroic Hebrew warrior.
The French-language semi-staged production of “Samson et Dalila” by Opera de Puerto Rico has also brought one of the world’s favorite Delilahs, mezzo soprano Nancy Fabiola Herrera, to seduce him (and us).
The two principals and Puerto Rican baritone César Méndez Silvagnoli, from Ponce, just recently sang in Uruguay together in Georges Bizet’s “Carmen,” also in French. That experience, in which the trio was able to bond artistically, has made it much easier for them to hit the ground running upon arrival in San Juan for rehearsals. Although the principals have never done “Samson” together, the experience with “Carmen” proved the perfect catalyst to create the chemistry for the Saint-Saëns’ work, in which a strong seductive woman uses all her powers to bring down a powerful man.
The seduction
In addition to her voluptuous voice as the ravishing queen of a bitter and vengeful people, Delilah is a powerful seductress. Her immortal aria “Mon coeur s’ouvre a ta voix” (“My Heart at Thy Sweet Voice”) mesmerizes the resistant leader of the Hebrews (and the audience) with her spell, allowing her people to capture the Hebrew leader, who has berated his people for their passivity in the face of mockery. Their governor, or satrap, Abimelech, who taunts the imprisoned Hebrews mercilessly, is killed by Samson with his enemy’s own sword. This unleashes renewed hostilities between the two peoples.
An important ally
Dagon, the great priest (and confidant of Delilah) is played by Méndez Silvagnoli. This international performer, who encarnated Escamillo with the lead couple in Uruguay’s “Carmen,” now plays an important role in motivating his queen to betray Samson.
The dungeon
After capturing the beloved Hebrew ruler, the enemy shears off his hair, effectively stripping him of his extra-worldly powers. They imprison him in their fortress, condemning him to eternally grind boulders.
It is here that Sampson sings his most important aria, “Vois ma misere, helas,” known as “The Millstone Aria,” in which the Hebrew ruler’s faith shines through his chagrin and shame.
Just when all seems lost, Saint-Saëns shows his own Christian colors in a triumphant finale.
Emboldened by his renewed faith in God, Samson summons the strength to tumble the mighty pillars of the temple of Gaza. In a bloody and hair-raising finale, the fabled leader dies along with hundreds of infidels.
The bigger picture
Several smaller roles encarnated by Puerto Ricans fill in the
cautionary tale, based on the biblical chapter of Judges 16. A rebuke from Samson to his lethargic people opens the dramatic three-act opera.
This foreshadows the Philistines’ impending treachery and the insidious goal behind Delilah’s seduction.
Bass Ricardo Lugo encarnates the menacing satrap of Gaza who taunts Samson and the Israelites at the beginning of the first act. Lugo, whose character is killed in the first scene, will also interpret the Old Hebrew who provides commentary from time to time.
Also in the cast are tenors Christian García and Carlos Ortiz and baritone Brayan Molina as Philistine messengers.
The semi-staged 1877 opera is sung in French, with Spanish supertitles. The solos will be enhanced by the lush oratorio-inspired score interpreted by the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra in its 70th year, conducted by Musical Director Maximiano Valdés.
Veteran stage director Gilberto Valenzuela coordinated the performers’ movement and costuming.
The Opera de Puerto Rico Chorus, alternately representing both the Hebrews and the Philistines, was prepared by veteran mezzo soprano Jo-Anne Herrero. The 30 singers play an important role in the sacred oratorio style of the Hebrews as well as evoking the sultry seduction of Gaza and its denizens.
Curtain time is 8 p.m. at the Pablo Casals Symphony Hall, Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center in Santurce.
