Who's behind the notes? Discover Georg Friedrich Händel: The Baroque Master
Lascia ch'io pianga is a sublime aria from Handel's 1711 opera Rinaldo. It is sung by the character Almirena as she laments her captivity and separation from her beloved. The aria features a beautiful, mournful melody that exemplifies the emotional depth of Baroque opera. It has become one of Handel's most celebrated and frequently performed works, transcending its original operatic context to become a concert piece and recording favorite for singers and instrumentalists alike.