Complete Works of Voltaire 18C - Writings of 1738-1740 (III) - Writings for Music (1720-1740) (Hardcover, Critical edition)

When Rameau took the world of opera by storm in 1733, Voltaire set aside his first libretto, "Tanis et Zelide", and wrote "Samson" and later "Pandore" with the composer specifically in mind. All three libretti depict rebellion against established religions, culminating in spectacular scenes: Isis and Osiris destroying the temple at Memphis; Samson bringing down the temple, crushing himself and the Philistines; and Prometheus and the Titans doing battle against the Roman gods.