Serse: Ombra mai fu

[@yuntongyang3393]

Paula Rasmussen's version is always my favorite.

[@magpie212]

You are clearly a person of great discernment. Her voice and her face are both radiant. Many sing this well, but they don't touch Rasmussen.

[@JohnC5]

No one can sing it like her. Its just adorable.

[@HerrWarja]

I like this setting. Neither modern or baroque. Simply timless and indeed a angelic voice she has.

[@magpie212]

Welcome to the club. Can't get enough of this opera . . . or of Rasmussen.

[@rachelcorson3555]

My favourite version ❤️

[@jpablohp]

This is my favorite. Absolutely beautiful and well developed.

[@nikkitytom]

My favorite aria. Rasmussen's was the first performance I heard of Ombra Mai Fu ... and it is still my favorite. The combination of breathtakingly beautiful music with the concept of singing to a tree is almost too wonderful for me to bear. I cry every time I hear this.

[@PrincessPineywoods]

So do I!!

[@lvega69]

She is fantastic, her voice is really beatuful

[@alonsovidal2877]

Hermoso Paula, gracias.

[@FUMAOMAO]

Her voice is so perfect for this aria, and her costume is so cool, a really memorable performance. Is she still performing these days?

[@9546aw]

Paula Rasmussen gave up opera and has become an attorney practicing personal injury law in San Francisco.

[@seagirltoo]

@@9546aw wow!

[@salanee]

it is imposible to express in words how excelent is she

[@peterhinton]

How majestic! The performance was seemingly effortless but it was enough to floor me. This is truely the stuff of life. Thank you for sharing.

[@kaloarepo288]

Ombra mai fu (aka Handel's Largo from SERSE ) was the very first song ever broadcast on public radio -the Canadian inventor Fessenden transmitted it in about 1910(approx.) and the singer was probably Dame Clara Butt. I think it still remains the most beautiful song ever! It is true that Handel adapted a tune from his great rival Bononcini but Bononcini in turn adapted a tune from the earlier composer Cavalli who wrote the first Xerxes opera. The story about the Persian king's infatuation with a Plane tree is from Herodotus I think. Xerxes is the king featured in the epic movie 300. Xerxes was assassinated on his return to Iran and this too is the subject of countless operas called ARTAXERXES the best by Leonardo Vinci(not the artist/inventor) The great English composer Thomas Arne wrote an English version of the story which has been revived in recent times.

[@PrincessPineywoods]

Thank you for the information.

[@RodCorkin]

Actually the main theme of the song is derived from a previous aria from Handel written 20 years earlier, "Quando mai, spietata sorte", from the opera Radamisto.

[@user-bc9mn7gq2c]

This is simply masterful. I knew it from the first few chords in the orch.: the tempo is broad & relaxed in feeling but still a (not Largo, a mark Handel used occasionally but not here). Paula outsings or equals anyone I've heard in this piece. The performance brings out Handel's remarkable insight into the character of Xerxes--he "talks" trees but he's actually revealing himself, his self-obsessions, emotional fragility, etc. (One could almost put a Myers-Briggs personality type on him.) The highest praise I can give is that these folks reveal the composer's genius; and the orchestral forces & direction match the singer's excellence.

[@bouleauxdesuede]

Oh, please do put more up! Especially the bits with Ann Hallenberg/Arsamene Thanks!

[@PrinsTan]

I saw this in Stockholm this season and it was sung by a woman. She had such great charisma and was so good I forgot at times she was a woman. I must say I enjoyed this opera much more than I did enjoy Mozart's Zauberflote which was also magnificently conducted and played.

[@elijah32503]

This is best version ever.

[@egauthre]

Ok seen enough on KZbin to say this is by far the best and I love it!

[@sammaeldeath]

Unbelievable! Simply wonderful !!!

[@egauthre]

@magpie212....thank you but really, its easy. I listened to her and was struck by how expressive her voice is and how I get the anguish of the character she is playing not really having read the opera, I still could feel the estatic pain of it and when I realized that the video was over, and I hadn't shut my brain off(I do this automatically when something jars me musically)...I know that I had found something special.

[@1andonlyDEl]

I agree. As with most Baroque pieces, well placed vibrato is key.

[@bouleauxdesuede]

Oh, thank you. She's really amazing, i've seen her at the Drottningholm court theatre a couple of times, it's sad that she never gets to work in sweden nowadays, all of our best singers perform regularly around europe and in america, but we rarely ever get to see them here. Have you heard the "Philemon et Baucis" by Gluck with Rousset on Naïve? -That one is really outstanding!

[@AmericanBrian]

Beautiful, greetings form El Salvador!

[@bouleauxdesuede]

I love that recording! Rousset and Hallenberg is an excellent combination! I saw her in Luigi Rossis 1640's opera Orfeo at Drottningholm where she played Aristeo and in Daniel Börtz "Marie Antoinette" where she sang Princess Lamballe, i think that one was released on cd too, though it's a modern opera and light years from Gluck. I know, it's just a shame we never get to see them here at all, Hallenberg gave a recital of swedish 18th century folk songs at some museum a while ago wich i missed.

[@nanciuliana24]

Maravilhoso. Inspirador.

[@magpie212]

Again, I'm impressed. It took me a while to process this. Anguish? In a love song to a tree? But you're right. Xerxes is the title character for a reason -- even though he doesn't get the girl. He's narcissistic, self-centered, arrogant, even cruel, but he's also lonely, whence the anguish. I think that's why he falls so hard for Romilda, who seems, in her song, to understand him. Handel, like Shakespeare, is enduring because he understands the human heart. I think Rasmussen does too.

[@magpie212]

Here's a bit: "Serse is the tragedy of the main character’s relationship with power, with others and, in fact, with himself. Those difficulties are symbolised by the beloved plane tree . . .We thus [see] Serse’s progress towards the cathartic fury which breaks out during the third act with ‘Crude furie degli orridi abissi’. During this superb aria di furore Serse sets ablaze his tree and in a few instants it is totally burned." The two arias I mentioned are on KZbin.

[@GraceJoyPark]

Thank you for very informative story on this aria. Thanks to you I read the whole plot. I used to think this song relaxing, healing and transcendental, but after I've known the context(his agony), it feels kinda grievous and sympathetic. I wish he could save himself and his beloved tree(his wanna-be self).

[@adityapurohit8232]

Thanks Madam for the background of this immortal aria of Handel.

[@AnnaMishchenkoSoprano]

Impresionante.🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@alvarito45]

This is the correct way to sing to a plane tree!! Excellent voice, wonderful performance!! Xerxes was, undoubtly, a real ecologist. Unless Handel show us this in the Opera. Great!!

[@bwadykstra]

@dyad2r1 this isn't a castrato. this is a woman, paula rasmussen. there aren't any castrati anymore, at least no known castrati. ms. rasmussen is a mezzo-soprano. this role is now sung either by a male tenor, a female mezzo-soprano, or a trained male counter-tenor/male alto

[@user-bc9mn7gq2c]

Historical note: the two favoured pastimes of the upper crust in Persia at the time of the Archaemenids were hunting and Botany/gardens. The ruling classes were preoccupied with plants and trees.This i found in a modern historical study of the Persian Empire.

[@paulmckee6072]

Stunning

[@wadefite]

this is wonderful best versioni have heard. does anyone know why pavarotti did not sing this aria? he seems to have avoided Handel. ive tried to find him singing where ere you walk- no luck

[@Cristiolus]

Because he was not a mezzo-soprano?

[@HerrvicenzZo]

@@Cristiolus search Dimitri Hvorostovsky singind ombra mai fu, he's baritone as well!

[@mangualde23]

maravilhosa!!!!!!!

[@MrL1mey]

Very enjoyable - wish it was at least 480P

[@dyad2r1]

@FUMAOMAO - I think so. Wikipedia doesn't have anything on her, but Google "The Dallas Opera The Tales of Hoffmann" and scroll down to her picture.

[@possumgrits]

Beautiful

[@mingienas]

Nuostabu, amazing, increíble, mahnitës, úžasné, sorprendente:)

[@Renaissance3950]

@Loismustdie26 Drew Minter and Andreas Scholl are outstanding counter tenors

[@metteholm75]

..And her expression!

[@egauthre]

The tree does not represent difficulties only hopes and longings for unconditional love as it metaphysically "shades"us without "asking" for anything in return.The real tragedy is that loneliness has made him "out of touch" with his own heart, which has always been in the right place but in the "forest". I listened to the other pieces and they are just as good. I have never want a CD of an opera but I guess there is a first time for everything. My judgements are from what I hear and see.

[@dancingwithoutwords]

I use Vibrato for amplify the expression, and... of course you can use in baroque, but better not too much, it's like using pedal piano playing Bach or Mozart, you CAN using it but not abuse. Extremes are no good!

[@dyad2r1]

@tiernan87 - You're right. I shot off my mouth before I did my homework. Thanks for correcting me!

[@dyad2r1]

Never was there a shadow Of Branches Sweeter, more refreshing Or more gentle Tender and beautiful fronds Of my beloved plane tree Let fate smile upon you May thunder, lightning, and storms Never bother your dear peace Nor may you by blowing winds be profaned

[@christiangraf987]

Händel and Bach are the greatest at all times of music....

[@peterpamlockwood]

God she is an Angle .best I have heard!!!!!!!!!

[@gmsoyls]

hints of elizabeth schwartzkopf, even for a mezzo...lovely.

precioso...

[@magpie212]

I hope you have discovered Rasmussen's "Crude Furie" and "Piu che penso" as well. They're equally wonderful. If you're interested in further analysis of this opera, you can't do better than the very insightful comments of Philippe Gelinaud off the website gfhandel. There are quite a number of comments on this production to be found, but IMHO this guy really understands the opera. Refreshing.

[@davidkhundadze1972]

gracias amigo

[@luclafor]

Another great interpretation is by Yoshikazu Mera Look for "Yoshikazu Mera Ombra mai fu Serse" on youtube

[@queenofunderland]

Actually , i had read that " Ombra mai fu " is the fail piece in the time of Haendel ? Is it true so ? i also learned Italian , i wanna ask if this the right way of translating it : "ombra mai fu , cara et amabile , soave piu´ = the dearest shadow ( i ever saw) and so lovely , most gentle . " Great piece!

[@antonionanetti8580]

It is an odd poetic construction. In current Italian you would say: "Mai un ombra fu più cara e amabile". It means: "Never a shadow was more dear and lovley". Great piece, I agree, but Bononcini might have something to add...

[@queenofunderland]

Tq.

[@edwinanderson1777]

+willie ekaputra bleeleeleeleeleele gggq l f OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO FOTOS ALL DAY WITH THE FANTABOOOULSOUS MYSIK MUSIK*****8* SERY ABOUT MY MISSSS\PEELLEEING UM SO SORRY DUDEDDDDD

[@edwinanderson1777]

+Edwin Anderson bAAST GUEY AVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR . gENUS BREH

[@edwinanderson1777]

+Edwin Anderson heyyyeyme itss meee i lobv ee your dogfggggggggggggggggs thmkssss for teh doritoessssssssssssssssssssssssssss and tehhhhehr mtn kodoweeeeeeeeeew i lovs this homesliceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssss*let me takeeeeeekkkkkkk fotoososoos for dayysyssy i willll loooooooovee this muccikfw *mysik *mjsik *musik thaanmkds to alll whjiooooooooooooo areeeeeeee meh homrdleeeeeeeeeeeeeeecccccccccccccccccssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss ty i love this song om g 'Ombra Ma Fui' From Serse thanks you *lenneygh face. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@antoninopirrone2541]

❤️💕

[@davidkhundadze1972]

Anybody knows who is singing?

[@jansenepart]

the original ! from the opera SERSE by the master Georg Friedrich HAENDEL !!! The best composer of all times !

[@jlc515]

Baroque Period Music Anno 1738 G.F HANDEL

[@egauthre]

No I don't need someone else's "analysis". I have my own feelings about music, whether anyone understands it or not. However, I did take a look at the website to see about the other pieces you mentioned. The website was not user friendly for me so I guess I will need to look on my ever faithful KZbin. Thanks for your recommendations. I will let you know what I think....(:o>)

[@Loismustdie26]

But a good countertenor is almost imposable to find. David Daniels and Philippe Jaroussky. Id rather hear a woman sing it, over a bad countertenor.

[@marinellabakken5863]

Try Lucia Popp!

[@wonjulee6545]

What is her name?? so beautiful

[@kkotnemo4074]

Paula Rasmussen

[@kyung1104]

sad song T.T but Really beautiful

[@fernandofernandezgar]

Paula Rasmussen sings

[@bonnies1234567]

Yes, my voice coach, Mario Cimino, wouldn't let me sing it--he gave me Cara Selve instead. He insisted that it was for a man.

[@egauthre]

Yes, anguish, because he wants to be loved and understood...unconditional love.... the tree. His very human faults: narciscism, self-centeredness, arrogance, and even cruelty are all outcomes of serious loneliness and neglect.So the hope for unconditional love is often hopeless as being in love with a tree. Anguish for her because he longs for her heart.

[@Corenero]

@pinkdazzlin Paula Rasmussen

[@PiroozAzDirooz]

What's with the bad timing between music and voice, and the variation in volume of the recording? Gee Wee.

[@marcellny]

come on....

[@mezzosinger100]

intonation problems?

[@MrDepressedchicken]

yeah could be a touch sharper

[@ottavva]

the best performance od Ombra Mai Fu was in 1985 at KDVL in ZG by DUNJA VEJZOVIĆ ( I have that recording )

[@LLMusic94]

Very true..and that is DEFINITELY not my taste..LoL..so I believe it was a bad choice...But hey! It works for some ppl! =]

[@metteholm75]

FLAT??

[@Hupjeflupje]

Well, Pavarotti was a great tenor, but not for baroque music.

[@jeandoten1510]

Handel stole the tune from Bononcini, who had produced Serse in London for the previous season.

[@jeandoten1510]

I beg to differ. Check it out--Bononcini's Serse was performed in London the season before Handel's and it was a big hit. There is a KZbin video of Cecilia Bartoli singing the Bononcini.Ombra mai fu, and I have personally compared them from the scores. Handel adapted it and improved it but the opening phrase is unmistakable. Handel had an unsubtle sense of humor and he was a highly successful impresario, Very likely he was stirring up a little controversy as free advertisment.and showing off his superior skill. Whatever his motivation, all the Handel/Baroque opera scholars I know agree that it was an obvious "borrow"

[@therealistjim]

pitch is borderline

[@wisden18]

WHY? WHY? WHY? Just use vibrato in Handel!?!

[@dyad2r1]

@lethelightin - The singer is male. Look up "castrati."

[@DynV]

sorry but the recording is bad

[@wisden18]

Yes, and it ruins the piece. Such a shame. Like I said why use vibrato with Handel?!

[@marcellny]

so flat singing is 'in' now? i miss kathleen ferrier.

[@sorcere16]

Miss Ferrier was something out of this world. I also like her version better but I found this quite good as well.

[@segunsoyemi6629]

I think she tried but she needs to meet Andreas Scholl for special class.

[@disconnexiondisconnexion1756]

Is this a joke?

[@Schubertfinished]

In the Baroque period, all operatic roles were sung by men, women didn't perform.

[@dcuder]

Too much vibrato!

[@NoName-uf6rf]

Eh! I'm not the only one.

[@operawhore64]

oh yes by all means suppress vibrato.. ASS...

[@tootsie4008]

EHHH...did you ALL not know that it's NOT A SHE?!ITS A HE FOR GOODNESS SAKE!!!

[@MariiaKern]

Убого и фальшиво.

[@LLMusic94]

uhm..the vibrato absolutely ruins this beautiful piece..Why sing HANDEL..witha vibrato!? The two just don't go together...bad choice

[@PUArtista]

Nice but should be sung by a MAN!

[@frogmouth]

Nope Stutzmanns version is fantastic also.. I also love Scholl Orlinsky. Each has something enriching to offer

[@Limpandtotheleft]

Horrid female voice! How much better from a boy treble or, at a push, a counter-tenor.