Venti turbini prestate

High resolution and stereo sound:

George Frideric Handel
Rinaldo, HWV 7
"Venti turbini"
Rinaldo's aria from act I, sc.9

Libretto: Giacomo Rossi, on a synopsis by Aaron Hill, based on episodes from Torquato Tassos epic poem "Gerusalemme liberata"

Premiere Cast, February 24, 1711:
Rinaldo: Nicolo Grimaldi, castrato
Eustazio: Valentino Urbani, castrato
Armida: Elisabetta Pilotti-Schiavonetti, soprano
Almirena: Isabella Girardeau, soprano
Goffredo: Francesca Vanini-Boschi, contralto
Argante: Giuseppe Boschi, bass


In this video:

Vivica Genaux, mezzo soprano
Freiburger Barokorchester,
René Jacobs
Harmonia Mundi, 2003


"Rinaldo was first produced at the Queen's (later King's) Theatre in the Haymarket on 24 February 1711. It was Handel's first opera for London, and also the first Italian opera specifically composed for the London stage.
...

The action is set at the time of the First Crusade (1096-99). Christian forces led by Goffredo (Godfrey of Bouillon) are laying siege to the city of Jerusalem, held by the Saracen king Argante. With Goffredo are his brother Eustazio and his daughter Almirena, who is in love with the Christian knight Rinaldo. Argante is supported by Armida, Queen of Damascus and a powerful sorceress.
...

In a beautiful garden with singing birds, Almirenas thoughts are of love. She and Rinaldo exchange endearments until suddenly Armida abducts Almirena under cover of a cloud full of fire-breathing monsters, leaving a distraught Rinaldo. He tells Goffredo and Eustazio what has happened and Eustazio suggests he seek help from a Christian sorcerer. Rinaldo is encouraged and calls on the winds and heaven to second his revenge. " - Anthony Hicks


Original text:

Venti, turbini, prestate
Le vostr'ali a questo piè.

Cieli, numi, il braccio armate
Contro chi pena mi diè.


Translation:

Winds, storms, lend
your wings to my feet.

Heavens, gods, strengthen my arm
against those who have caused me sorrow.