Orchestre De Paris, Daniel Barenboim - Saint-Saëns: Samson et Dalila (2005)

This is a splendid recording of Samson et Dalila. Even though it was originally recorded in analog, I have never heard an analog recording that sounded this good before. It sounds digital to me. The sound is clear, with just the right amount of resonance. The sound of the orchestra after Dalila's betrayal of Samson is so thrilling that it gave me chills.
Domingo sounds great in this July 1978 recording made in Paris. Daniel Barenboim does a fine job with the orchestra, and the all-French chorus is excellent; you can plainly hear the authentic French diction. As for Elena Obraztsova as Dalila, if you like huge, voluptuous voices with lots of nasal richness, you will like her. Personally, I love that kind of voice. And her singing is full of excitement; she is very expressive when she sings. Like a great artist, she knows when to speed up and slow down to increase dramatic effect. Imagine Maria Callas with a huge, wild, mezzo voice and you have a good idea what you are in for here. Buyer beware: no libretto included. There is another version of this recording on sale with Domingo as Samson on the front cover. I suspect that one has a libretto.