Besides sharing the musical genius Handel as their composer, “Ombra mai fu” (from Serse, a 1738 opera seria), “Lascia ch’io pianga” (from Rinaldo, a 1711 Baroque opera), and “Piangerò la sorte mia” (from Giulio Cesare in Egitto, a 1724 opera seria) share similar song forms as well. Each selection is an aria preceded by a recitative. While “Ombra mai fu” rejoices in nature and is often performed for weddings (as the words mimic wedding vows), “Lascia ch’io pianga” and “Piangerò la sorte mia” tenderly clutch at themes of heartbreak, grief and pure sorrow. “Piangerò la sorte mia” stands out as the only aria in this cluster with a vengeful promise ignited by an intense dynamic and tempo change between the lengths of misery (making it also the only ABA form aria in this set). I sincerely hope you enjoy with me the individual journeys each of these selections take!