Every morning I hit random on my iPod and listen to the first aria that it delivers. It not only sets me up for the day but also more often than not reveals a piece that I have not heard or self-selected for a while.
So my first Aria … For Wednesday this morning was Lascia ch’io pianga.
It might be the most ‘common hackney’d’,, but it remains – for me – one of the most beautiful arias Handel ever wrote. And this particular performance by Yvonne Kenny is beautifully poignant.
Sensitively accompanied by the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra conducted by Paul Dyer, this is a performance of the utmost simplicity that finds Ms Kenny in superb voice. But what makes it all the more beautiful is the elegant and tasteful ornamention of the returning da capo. Some might argue that this aria – of all Handel’s arias – doesn’t require ornamentation in the da capo (For example Ms Kermes’ recent performance) but here Ms Kenny’s vocal flourishes are not only intelligent but underline the pathos of the aria.
Simply stunning.
What’s yours?
LietoFineLondon 