Handel: Ombra mai fu (Serse); Christopher Lowrey, countertenor, Voices of Music 4K UHD

Countertenor Christopher Lowrey sings the aria Ombra mai fù, from Handel's opera Serse. 4K, Ultra HD video from the Voices of Music "Art of the Countertenor" concert, March, 2016.
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Ombra mai fù
di vegetabile,
cara ed amabile,
soave più.
-Nicolò Minato
Never was the shade
from any plant
more dear, more lovely,
or so sweet.
The Musicians and their Instruments
Voices of Music performs on original instruments: hear the music played on
instruments from the time of the composer.
Lisa Grodin, baroque viola by Mathias Eberl, Salzburg, Austria, 1680
Kati Kyme, baroque violin by Johann Gottlob Pfretzschner, Mittenwald, 1791
Carla Moore, baroque violin by Johann Georg Thir, Vienna, Austria, 1754
Maxine Nemerovski, baroque violin by Joseph Gaffino, Paris, 1769
Elisabeth Reed, baroque cello, anonymous, 1673
Farley Pearce, violone by George Stoppani, Manchester, 1985, after Amati, 1560
David Tayler, archlute by Andreas von Holst, Munich, 2012, after Tieffenbrucker, c1610
Hanneke van Proosdij, baroque organ by Winold van der Putten, Finsterwolde,
Netherlands, 2004, after early 18th-century northern German instruments
Gabrielle Wunsch, baroque violin by Lorenzo Carcassi, Florence, Italy, 1765
#Handel #Countertenor

[@VoicesofMusic]

One million views...thanks, everyone!

[@GabriGomFerr-kt9uh]

Gracias a vosotros por hacernos testigos de tan hermosas obras de arte.

[@prodigy2385]

The best part is how he started to sing the first note, it melted so well with the music and coming from distance to present. To be able to control his voice to this level, needs lots of skills. I heard many other versions, none of them could bring how Christopher using his voice to translate the master piece. Bravo

[@gavinpatience8897]

I am glad that someone is watching it in the past few weeks. I have just found tis version and agree that it is brilliant. I am supposed to sing it today and not sure its an encouagement - or best left to the professional counter tenors !

[@francette19380]

I agree. From the very first note, long, sweet and equal, we know if the singing will be good. Here, it is.

[@Meadmon]

The other ones I hear have too much vibrato. His plain tone to vibrato is awesome!

[@ingeborghofmann5426]

Gavin P. Denke sie sind ausgebildeter Sänger und jeder Sänger, hat seine eigene Stimme die seine Anhänger hat, keiner hat die geniale Melodie gepachtet und ist für jeden, ob musikalischen oder nicht zugänglich, also rauf die Bühne durchatmen und singen 🙏

[@richardcarter5314]

AGREED. But, I will refer you to a recording of this by Paul Robeson, if you can find one, it is equally delightful!!

[@DavidSmith-ki2we]

Christopher has the perfect voice for this aria and this is my favorite version. My husband of 21 yrs who passed almost 2 yrs ago, loved video, n now my beloved cat of 15 yrs was put to sleep yesterday due to excruciating cancer. I am extremely depressed battling my own painful illnesses and loss of my cat. This music , I'm comfoted although crying endlessly 😢😢😢 I hope to see them in heaven...

[@PaulineYao-dx1co]

God be with you

[@DavidSmith-ki2we]

Thank you❤​@@PaulineYao-dx1co

[@rdd3660]

let your heart speak because it is made of love, peace and joy, let your heart listen to the voice of the angels who are with you from eternity, let your heart fly joyfully into the eternity of life.

[@Elena-h7r8r]

Я надеюсь, что вам стало легче. Я сочувствую вам и желаю, чтобы вы справились, чтобы радости и любовь снова пришли в вашу жизнь и не ушли.❤❤

[@VoicesofMusic]

Just going to mention that the strings sound mahhhvelous~!

[@richardholland2356]

That's it ... nothing more need be said. THIS is the definitive version for the Ages. This performance will be looked back on in decades to come as the most perfect rendition of this priceless gem. Blessings and peace from Melbourne, Australia on Christmas Day 2020 ....

[@DavidSmith-ki2we]

Thank u for that beautiful description 💕 as a rare illness pain sufferer, I listen to this often to relax a bit. Wish I was well enough to travel to see ur country.

[@enriquesanchez2001]

A perfect gift for my father who just passed away to the stars ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

[@LaRush62]

One of the most beautiful renditions of this aria I've ever heard. Time stopped at 2:35 and I think I stopped breathing. Just stunningly beautiful.

[@jansenepart]

I totally agree with this comment. This is heaven.

[@로보티니콜라스]

Lawrence Rush

[@jansenepart]

stunningly beautiful it is ... heavenly ? -

[@crewsadist]

Until I watched this, I'd always considered the Pathe News radio recording of this by Gigli as the absolute best. I'm no longer so sure. This fellow Lowrey is the most masterful countertenor I've yeard.

[@dgionescu]

Ava Ttoir really? So, just pathenews ? Buy tickets to enjoy their performance... all over the entire world!

[@destinationdarren]

I've been listening to this repeatedly for days. It's outstanding. And what an "ensemble"....watch how they watch each other. It's just so brilliant

[@Zoomo2697]

It is truly incredible... Watching and listening in love. 👍

[@shadowofmyfutureself]

It's brilliantly outstanding

[@timhamblin6853]

And that’s what you get when the singer and musicians serve the music rather than make it serve them. Absolutely sublime.

[@lvdovicvs]

Sometimes I need reminding that human beings are capable of goodness, and beauty, and, by working together, achievements beyond our greatest individual talents. This is that.

[@janetteraven5463]

I agree

[@garywait3231]

Well, quick, perhaps you need to get over your self absorbed cynicism.

[@josephvazquez2487]

He's singing about his favorite tree. Jesus, stop being so damn deep

[@prototropo]

Gary and Joe are proof that sentiments about human goodness are premature. Wow, couldn’t you two try some courage on for size and say “No” when that little testicle posing as your brain tells you to degrade other people-and yourselves? After all, you’ll turn 17 someday . . . It’s never too early to prepare for the world of adult emotion.

[@prototropo]

lvdovicvs --Thank you for recognizing and sharing one of life’s venerable moments of earned wisdom. Christopher and the Philarmonia Baroque are perfect ark of delivery for Handel’s elegaicism. I never tire of hearing Christopher’s brilliant choice to offer an appogiatura at 2’36”, holding and resolving it like someone’s last breath through 2’44”. All the weary, lyrical sadness of human history is defined in those eight seconds.

[@stevenmeldrum7014]

Wow!! What a rich and warm tone this guy has. It's a while since I've heard a countertenor like this, he owns that stage. And the higher end of his vocal range - unbelievable!

[@DavidSmith-ki2we]

Isn't he incredible?? This is my favorite version of this aria.

[@beatefackler3518]

I agree 100%.

[@garywait3231]

Unutterably beautiful. Perfect tempos, orchestration. And the soloist is beyond perfection. Handel as it should be performed!!!👍👍 BRAVO !!!

[@ashleighholmes8422]

His tone quality is perfect

[@karlsmith8212]

Absolutely perfect, beautiful and as it should be Somber

[@adriangoodwin-delgado5364]

This is probably the most sublime piece of music I've ever heard. I'm in love with it.

[@garywait3231]

And with the incomparable soloist!!

[@sapphire6722]

@@garywait3231 check out Nathalie Stutzmann also

[@samueljaramillo4221]

One of the most beautiful arias ever composed. Just close your eyes and let the music take to another beautiful world. The counter tenor has a gorgeous voice.

[@keescouprie5968]

This song was played on both my parents funerals and it brings me to tears every time I hear it. 😢

[@mehranmosley]

I think this is the best interpretation among many. The musicians blend seamlessly with the voice.Thanks for offering this beautiful rendition.

[@VoicesofMusic]

You are welcome!

[@balbannock110]

I asked someone to sing this at my father’s funeral. I love it so much.

[@tkhaskin]

Seriously beautiful singing. Such a warm tone...beautiful quality. Bravo.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thank you!

[@charlesrae3793]

How ironic that a song addressed to a tree, intended to show him as a figure of fun, should be so beautiful. And of the several renderings of it, this is certainly one of, if not THE best. Christopher Lowrey performance is outstanding,and the way his voice is held and supported by the other musicians is something special.

[@LobsngDmchoi]

King Xerxes isn't necessarily a figure of fun at this point in the opera--actually this could be considered one of his saner moments. Among the elite of the Persian Empire (Achaemenid) botany/gardening, along with hunting, were the two most popular avocations & I gather status symbols. And contrary to what is often said or implied the character is definitely not "in love" with a tree--unless you count the single word "amato" in the previous recitative (not performed here--why not?). The aria text itself is very restrained tribute to what the tree provides: "friendly, dear" shade. Consider also the brutal subtropical climate of Persia.

[@jaybeeshultz]

Imagine what this world would be like without classical music and the beautiful and talented people who perform it?? Thank God for each and every one of them.

[@nasha4696]

Absolutely magical I've watched this about a hundred times and every time I get emotional

[@cellocub]

I just can not stop listening!!! Lowery's tone, and the key, and all of your stunning playing...It makes the performance other-worldly. It is really emotional and lovely. Bravo tutti!!!

[@DaveCalungsod]

Handel creates such beautiful flowing melodies, when the violin enters after the singer's last notes I immediately got goosebumps BEST PERFORMANCE EVER NOTHING COULD AND WILL TOP THIS❤❤❤❤❤

[@benhaslund5153]

l just want to give Christopher Lowrey a huge hug - your voice is just like heaven to me.

[@flelgrorf7577]

Makes me cry. what an utterly wonderful voice..

[@pipergj33]

Simply splendid ensemble and total commitment of all members!

[@VoicesofMusic]

+Gorman Jones Thanks, Gorman!

[@fedorafajurinoemi9056]

La interpretación de Christopher Lowrey es absolutamente hermosa

[@mariettenoel9236]

Quelle voix pure et reposante une voix déposée en douceur émanant du coeur !

[@crazzee247]

I fall more deeply in love with VoM every day. This is one of THE BEST versions of this most important aria. Brava!

[@eggshellskullrule7971]

@@margy649 Is there one?

[@infledermaus]

They are the best!

[@jainarineramkissoon4797]

Fantastic performance Thank You.

[@frmattos]

flawless! from heaven! bravo!

[@adanieuwenhuis4324]

frmattos a,vivaldie

[@TonyBittner-Collins]

A simple song, but full of honest beauty and deep feelings of gratitude. I get teary eyes every time I listen to it. 😢

[@Counterbalance_]

This is so beautiful! Simply breathtaking! His voice...

[@garywait3231]

And his technique !!!!!

[@100crowns6]

Handel is great,so is Christopher Lowrey. A great performance!

[@trompetteharmonique5859]

Never heard such a beautiful countertenor like him...

[@alanfogarty1596]

This is the only interpretation I want to hear, listen to now. The opening, when Christopher’s voice first blends with the instruments, and again at 2:36ff, causes me to suspend myself…and water comes to my eyes. This is an involuntary response in recognition of brilliance, with gratitude and from being genuinely happy for Christopher who possesses this gift he shares with the world.

[@beatefackler3518]

Same here. An incredible voice and such a stunning harmony in his singing. I'm melting away when he starts singing.

[@may0210]

This is absolutely one of the best renditions of this piece along with his great technique. I particularly love his voice in piano. The first note that starts in piano then crescendo is fantastic.

[@garywait3231]

Yes I fully agree, except not "one of the" best, but THE BEST.

[@danielperroni3884]

Oh My God... What Am I hearing??? What Amazing voice...!!! The control breathing, the projection, the timbre, the interpretation... Bravíssimo...! Abraços daqui do Brazil..!

[@bluemystery-heron4159]

Que voz, né amigo! Que voz!

[@danielperroni3884]

@@bluemystery-heron4159 pois é... respiração controle de sopro, timbre, interpretação, tudo maravilhoso...

[@danielperroni3884]

E o melhor; ele não está no Brasil para morrer de fome com a sua arte hahaha...

[@bluemystery-heron4159]

@@danielperroni3884 sim, verdade!..

[@danielperroni3884]

@@bluemystery-heron4159 na década de 90 havia aqui no Brasil um contratenor maravilhoso chamado Edson Cordeiro... Se mandou para Alemanha e fez carreira lá... senão aqui meu amigo, ia ficar complicado para ele...!

[@ilbiancofiore]

Most beautiful of beauties. These artists, in their great generosity, transform me. Thank you forever!

[@VoicesofMusic]

Our pleasure!

[@jansenepart]

stunningly beautiful ... this is absolutely HEAVEN .....

[@corner559]

Not even 3000 views? I'm amazed this doesn't have at least 100,000. It's stunning.

[@VoicesofMusic]

+Corn Fed Give it a few days :)

[@rev.stephena.cakouros948]

+Corn Fed Well said

[@VoicesofMusic]

+Corn Fed 12,000+ now, will reach 100,000+ in a year or so :)

[@jansenepart]

views are now nearly 20.000 !!! what a beautiful velvet milky sweet shrouded muffled veiled voice !!!! This is the Genius of Händel : heavenly music ! the nicest aria ever written in Human History !!! So touching, so poignant in my world of feelings ! Händel is the joy of my miserable life ! His music keeps me alive !!

[@dougary856]

Post it on social media.

[@TheHeliogabalusene]

Wonderful. I thought I had already heard all the greatest countertenors, but clearly not.

[@alessandromancini2635]

Meravigliosa esecuzione, da brividi ! Bravo, bravissimo Christopher !!!

[@loudkill_5644]

Magnifique.

[@joshuafruend3348]

Absolutely beautiful! One of the most breathtaking arias I’ve ever heard.

[@jackjosefowicz2975]

Christopher Lowrey's voice and musicianship transports the listener to a heavenly vista; never has Handel's beautiful music radiated more brightly and more emotionally than in this performance; the magic of what is our humanity! Thank you Handel and Christopher.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thank you.

[@servinggodthroughmusic5996]

Sublime, Beatific - Handel brings you so close to God! What a gift to us from our Creator, I can hear this music in the mother’s embrace of her newborn baby, and I can hear it in the final breath of person’s life. It all makes sense.

[@DavidSmith-ki2we]

I agree. I have been battling rare nerve illness that caused insane pain for the last 8 plus yrs and sometimes I wish God will take me if I don't get better.

[@etresanchez]

Amazing. Pure beauty.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thanks, Eva.

[@etresanchez]

+Voices of Music You are welcome. It is really a great pleasure to listen your music. Hope to see you some day in Spain. Best wishes and peace.

[@marioschmidt7534]

This is a beautiful peace... It makes me think about life... Congrats for the performance.

[@antoniomusio6517]

The most touching perfomance I've ever heard. Bravissimi!

[@shamirmichal7]

absolutely breathtaking.

[@adastraduo6710]

I turn to this when I need to hear something beautiful, warm, and utterly stunning. Bravo to you all

[@riccardo50001]

Pure and beautiful voice! Beautiful rendition. Thanks!

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thanks for listening.

[@voxsupreme]

Heaven must be like this ... It must! I hope!

[@francescocibelli1518]

Perfetta pronuncia italiana, nessun accento! Bravissimo.

[@infledermaus]

Simply exquisite. What a beautiful, mellifluous voice young Mr. Lowrey has. Stunning. Quiet, peaceful, wonderful Herrn Händel!

[@francoise2516]

Bravo . Merveilleux. Sons superbes . Precioso sonidos bellisimos . BEAUTIFUL RENDITIONS

[@elaineblackhurst1509]

From the beautifully controlled messa di voce entry to the very last note, a fantastic performance.

[@VoicesofMusic]

We love messa di voice!

[@johnwarren992]

I have to agree with most people commenting here - this is a brilliant version and the words below help those of us who've never previously bothered finding out what was meant. Christopher works hard at his singing and it shows. Bravo!

[@gabrielagraneros8141]

Que dulzura.... Propiamente angelical.... 🎶🍃❤!!!! Grazie!!!

[@jeaneyoung]

This is so beautiful, the ensemble and the singer and the music itself. Bravi!

[@PC-kk2zw]

My absolute favorite version!!!

[@별먼지-r7q]

너무나 아름다운 음악 감사히 감상했습니다. 화면도 너무 선명하고 좋고 음향도 정말 훌륭합니다. 음악을 듣는 순간 만큼은 너무나 평화로운 느낌입니다.

[@VoicesofMusic]

감사합니다. 안전 유지.

[@mikeclarke6537]

positively outstanding version … wonderful …. and WHO the buggering hell would give this a thumbs down beggars belief..... I'm aghast

[@artrawding3569]

Chris! Stunning singing.

[@whitelup]

Fantastic! Beautiful! Countertenor Christopher Lowrey "Ombra mai fù" Serse Handel.

[@lizzyborg]

I love to hear a concert performance of this beautiful aria. Staged performances can distort the original sense of Serse’s adoration of this “historical” tree. Sung with due sensitivity. Thank you.

[@ApastronRetro]

Wow! Powerful, this blew me away!

[@tannerwinchester]

I have accompanied this song countless times, but this the best I’ve ever heard! His voice is simply angelic and the ensemble was perfectly together. I’m so happy I ran across this video!

[@skideriksen]

Absolutely stunning! Thank you!

[@zorak964]

I'm addicted to this delightful piece... Thank you Voices of Music!!!

[@VoicesofMusic]

Our pleasure!

[@lorenzoparedes2306]

This is a very clear and succint example of the absolute beauty of the positive potential of the human spirit.

[@kevinhickey3515]

Beautifully sung.

[@brendasouza9060]

Whenever I hear this aria, chills run up and down my spine. It's perfection at its finest.

[@lonniethomas2649]

Meltingly gorgeous sound all around

[@lucianobezerra4380]

What a magnificente and sweet performance !!!

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thanks so much.

[@normanchristie4524]

Takse me back 65 years to Being a solo boy alto....

[@peternaryd_operasinger]

Hi again Christopher! I must say that you are one of the best countertenors I have heard for a very long time! You have a so clear and soft voice! I absolutely love it! It's so enjoyable to listen to you! I have to say again that you sing this piece brilliantly!👏👏👏👏👏 Thank you! With love! Peter in Sweden 😃

[@luchuybrechts317]

beauty in its purest form!

[@korean.neri927]

Wow! Wonderful

[@roxanneperdue1288]

truly stunning. I am in awe. it's incredibly musical. His interpretation is really lovely. Bravo!

[@davidhalldurham]

What a gorgeous performance!!!! Thank you all.

[@OlmoHerediaBlanco]

Perfection!

[@thomasherford9216]

Absolutely brilliant Chis xx

[@jwoodman]

Damn you, Voices of Music. My head will be filled with Ombra mai fu for several days - I knew it would happen, but I couldn't resist. Please pass on a Manx well done - jeant dy mie - to the sensational Christopher Lowrey.

[@VoicesofMusic]

+John Woodman Thanks, John--will do!

[@joaoboscoalves9313]

Maravilhoso, eterno. A música quando linda é eterna. A maravilhosa voz de Christopher Lowrey deixa-a ainda mais bela.

[@richardforshaw8479]

That major seventh! Fabulous.

[@MihaiFloarea]

Frumoasă voce, impresionant tempo! Cu bucurie reascult această arie haendeliană. Mulțumiri celor care au postat înregistrarea

[@blackie-jm9tr]

What purity of voice... and the wonderful strings, just beautiful

[@celiagunson1678]

The best ever, beautiful

[@bryanbath6848]

The sheer magnificence of his voice brings me to tears every single time I listen to this. Unbelievable!

[@kavindutv]

Beautiful and beyond

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thank you! 😊

[@mamiesgame]

What a fine countertenor!

[@jeanmichelverret3473]

La douceur du plus bel aria interprété par la plus belle voix jamais entendue de ma part...

[@panzerabwerkanone]

Wow. simply Wow.

[@tommather3145]

Quite breathtaking - a wonderful performance from all concerned.

[@andersonfelipe9268]

Uma das interpretações mais lindas que já ví.

[@yuritomassen6305]

Flawless and sublime!

[@kayleenweaver]

Gorgeous performance - per usual Chris!! 😘