Ombra mai fu

Joyce Didonato singing Ombra mai fu, Handel
Amsterdam, 7-12-08

"Ombra mai fu" is an aria from the opera Serse (Xerxes) by George Frideric Handel.

The title, which translates from the Italian as Never has there been a shade, is the first aria of the opera. It is sung by the main character, Serse (or "Xerxes"), in praise of a tree's shade as he sits underneath it. It is commonly known as Handel's "Largo", although the original tempo was larghetto.

The opera was a commercial failure, lasting only five performances in London after its premiere. In the 19th century, however, the aria was rediscovered and became one of Handel's best-known pieces. It has often been arranged for other instruments, including solo organ, solo piano, violin and piano, and string ensembles, often with the full title "Largo from Xerxes." Handel adapted the aria from the setting by Bononcini who, in turn, adapted it from the setting by Francesco Cavalli. All three composers had produced settings of the same opera libretto by Niccolò Minato.
bron: Wikipedia
------------------------------ Ombra mai fù di vegetabile, cara ed amabile, soave più. Never has there been a shade of a plant more dear and lovely, or more gentle.

see also the 'Barbican version', as reported by Gudrun:
http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=p8oWjLDBOY4&feature=channel_page

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Joyce
• DiDonato
• Ombra
• mai
• fu
• Handel
• Amsterdam
• Concertgebouw

[Gudrun74]

If I was asked by an extraterrestrial what is beauty, I'd show him this video.

She is SO SO good!

[actionsrlouder]

Wonderful!! She's so good....

[albertodelbuono]

Its necessary to go rear unt to Kathleen Ferrier to reach a similar perfection

[xafnndapp]

I agree!!!