George Frideric Handel, “Armida dispietata / Lascia ch’io pianga” (Rinaldo, 1711/31)
Performers: Marina Theodoropoulou, soprano
Mark Hutchinson, piano
Source: Armida dispietata, Recitvo. e Lascia ch’io pianga, Aria ... as sung by Madame Viardot Garcia ... arranged by ... H. R. Bishop.
London: C. Lonsdale, ?1841
British Library: Shelfmark, G.811.b.(11.)
[contains handwritten expression marks and embellishments added anonymously]
Text and English Translation:
Recitative: Armida dispietata Armida, pitiless,
colla forza d’abisso with the power of the underworld,
rapimmi al caro ciel abducted me from the dear heaven
de miei contenti. of my contentment.
E qui con duolo eterno And here with grief eternal
vivo mi tiene in tormentoso inferno. keeps me living in a tormented hell.
Signor deh per pietà Lord, ah, through pity
lasciami piangere. let me weep.
Aria: Lascia ch’io pianga la cruda sorte Let [me be] that I may weep over [my] harsh fate,
e che sospiri la libertà. and that I may long for liberty.
Il duolo infranga queste ritorte Sorrow may break these bonds
de miei martiri sol per pietà. of my martyrdom only through pity.
Audio:
Score:






