This performance pairs Mario Del Monaco, who was nearing the end of his best years, with Rita Gorr, who was right in her vocal prime. Gorr's rich timbre is ideal for Dalila and she delivers an incredibly sensual version of "Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix." Del Monaco's stentorian tenor is equally ideal, especially in conveying the fire and brimstone of Samson in the opening scene. What was surprising to me was that he also could render some very tender moments in Act II.