George Frideric Handel (1685 – 1759) was a
German-born Baroque composer famous for his operas,
oratorios, anthems and organ concertos. Born in a
family indifferent to music, Handel received critical
training in Halle, Hamburg and Italy before settling in
London (1712), and became a naturalized British subject
in 1727. He was strongly influenced both by the great
composers of the Italian Baroque and the middle-German
polyphonic choral tradition.Lascia ch'io pianga is a
soprano aria by composer ...(+)
George Frideric Handel (1685 – 1759) was a
German-born Baroque composer famous for his operas,
oratorios, anthems and organ concertos. Born in a
family indifferent to music, Handel received critical
training in Halle, Hamburg and Italy before settling in
London (1712), and became a naturalized British subject
in 1727. He was strongly influenced both by the great
composers of the Italian Baroque and the middle-German
polyphonic choral tradition.Lascia ch'io pianga is a
soprano aria by composer George Frideric Handel which
has become a popular concert piece. The melody for the
song began its life as an Asian dance in his 1705 opera
Almira. As an aria the piece was first used in Handel's
1707 oratorio Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno;
albeit with a different text and name, "Lascia la
spina". Handel later recycled the work for his 1711
opera Rinaldo, giving the aria to the character
Almirena (portrayed by soprano Isabella Girardeau in
the opera's premiere) in Act II. Rinaldo was a major
triumph for Handel, and it is with this work that the
aria is chiefly associated.
The aria has been recorded by numerous artists on
record and CD, and is featured in several films
including Farinelli, All Things Fair by Bo Widerberg,
L.I.E. by Michael Cuesta, Antichrist and Nymphomaniac
volume II both by Lars von Trier.
Although originally written for Opera, I created this
arrangement for Viola & Concert (Pedal) Harp.
SHEET MUSIC