From G.F. Handel's dramatic cantata, Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, this aria is not only an extraordinary piece of writing for the bass voice, but a hauntingly beautiful expression of the conflict and hollowness of depression. This video is rooted in history (played on baroque instruments and recorded in Handel's own church in London) but aims to look at the emotions through a modern perspective.

Fra l’ombre e gl’orrori Amid the shadows and horrors
farfalla confusa a confused butterfly,
già spenta la face its beauty already spent,
non sa mai goder. can never know joy.
Così fra timori Thus amid fears
quest’alma delusa this disappointed soul
non trova mai pace can never find peace
ne spera piacer. nor hope of pleasure.

Trevor Eliot Bowes, Bass

Ensemble Tempus Fugit,
Katie de la Matter, Artistic Director
Magdalena Loth-Hill, violin
David Lopez, violin
Oakki Lau, viola
Rosie Moon, bass

Pablo Strong, Videographer

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