LASCIA CH'IO PIANGA - Rinaldo - HANDEL Aria -Joanna Henwood

#Haendel #Handel is one of my favourite #classical composers and this beautiful #aria is from his 1711 #opera #Rinaldo. The title means "Let me weep" and is sung by Almirena, addressing the Saracen king of Jerusalem, Argante, who is holding her prisoner and has just disclosed his love at first sight for her. The #Italian lyrics translate as follows: 'Let me weep over my cruel fate, and let me sigh for liberty. May sorrow shatter these chains, for my torments just out of pity'. Handel had previously used the same melody for an earlier aria: "Lascia la spina, cogli la rosa": 'Leave the thorn, take the rose; you go searching for your pain. Grey frost by hidden hand Will come when your heart doesn't expect it.'