For two years the score rested in the composer's desk.

Then the second act was again brought forth for trial, this time at the country home of Mme.

Viardot, at Croissy, the illustrious hostess singing the part of Dalila.

In 1875 the first act was performed in concert style by M.Edouard Colonne in Paris.

Liszt interested himself in the opera and secured its acceptance at the Grand Ducal Opera House of Weimar, where Eduard Lassen brought it out on December 2, 1877.