Handel's Lascia Ch'io Pianga from the Rinaldo Opera
As big a fan as I am of Handel's works (see my Handel's Keyboard Compositions page), I am not into Handel's operas (in fact, I am not much into operas at all). I do enjoy Handel's Messiah which is a particular favorite around Christmas time. I created a piano rendition of Rejoice from Handel's Messiah.
When I first heard Lascia Ch'io Pianga sung by Hayley Westenra of Celtic Woman, it gave me chills (as it does just about everytime I listen to it), or goosebumps as some may prefer to say. The Celtic Woman female ensemble along with the wonderful orchestra and backup singers led by composer & musical director David Downes are first rate. They are absolutely talented musicians.
Celtic Woman - Lascia Ch'io Pianga
I have since listened to other performances of this fantastic piece of music. The interpretation and performance by Hayley Westenra is amongst the best, and the quality of the orchestra and recording helps the cause.
I see there is a David Downes piano arrangement of the piece. My want-to-do list just got longer. See my blog entry on Handel's Lascia Ch'io Pianga on the piano.
Lascia Ch'io Pianga performances to compare:
Celtic Woman - Lascia Ch'io PiangaChisako Takashima - Lascia Ch'io Pianga
Danielle de Niese - Lascia Ch'io Pianga
Karina Gauvin - Lascia Ch'io Pianga
Nori (usaguitarist) - Lascia Ch'io Pianga
Olga Pyatigorskaya - Lascia ch'io pianga
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