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Friday, October 23, 2009

Plane Trees & 'Ombra Mai Fu' - Handel's Xerxes


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 be profaned by blowing winds

never was made
the shade of a plant
dear and loving
or more gentle

Photo: Tom Dempsey

frondi tenere e belle
del mio platano amato
per voi risplenda il fato
tuoni, lampi, e procelle
non vi oltraggino mai la cara pace,
ne giunga a profanarvi austro rapace

ombra mai fu
di vegetabile
care ed amabile
soave piu

Libretto: Niccolo Minato


Fritz Wunderlich, 1930-1966
German Tenor
A promising career cut short;
read the story on Wikipedia.


Plane Trees in Paris - Photo: Dr. Junshuang Ma

19 comments:

Gypsy Purple said...

I love big trees and these images just brought some well deserved beace back to me---thanks for stopping me to "smell the roses"

Unknown said...

Hi Alaine,

Always a beautiful song. Those top pics are some trees, huh?! The Parisian avenue looks lovely.

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

What magnificent trees - and photos. I have seen them before but, I believe, only in pictures. I don't think we have them in Canada - I have never ever heard anyone point one out. I'll do a little research now that you have piqued my interest.

They are referred to in so many novels and I always wondered what they looked like. Your first image takes my breath away - what a tree!!

T. said...

Oh Alaine -- lovely! And with my morning coffee, a great start to my day. Thank-you!

T. said...

ps, I've been longing for Paris this week...

alaine@éclectique said...

Something's gone wrong; I don't know why I'm getting this large comment box instead of the little pop-up box that I still have indicated in settings!!!

alaine@éclectique said...

Gypsy Purple, I'm glad I made you slow down for a bit! You must work on that, 'more leisure time for moi'!

alaine@éclectique said...

Derrick, aren't they amazing! We have one here; it's only about 12ft high. I won't be here to enjoy the shade it will give one day.

alaine@éclectique said...

Bonnie, I think your climate's right for one. Ours is growing well, despite the drought.

alaine@éclectique said...

T, glad you enjoyed it. Before I pop off, I MUST visit Paris. I was reading Virginia's post this morning (Parisinmylens) about Stohrer's patisserie in Paris; she closed by saying that she must get back to her book, 'French Women Don't Get Fat'! I would, just looking and sniffing!

Betsy Brock said...

How can I get that tree in the first picture in my backyard? LOL!

alaine@éclectique said...

Betsy, if someone had thought of planting it 100 years ago! :>)

Phoenix C. said...

What amazing trees! I love those shapes. I love walking among trees and kind of imbibing their atmosphere and presence.

steven said...

hello alaine - the great plane tree at the top of your post is stunning - i looked at it as i listened to "xerxes". there's magnificence in both. have a sweet day. steven

Lyn said...

Listening to the Handel and viewing this tree, both seeming miracles of beauty..I thank you for gathering them together!

alaine@éclectique said...

Hello Phoenix, (I have a sticky x on my keyboard!), I've just got back from a walk amongst the trees; it's a lovely morning here.

alaine@éclectique said...

Steven, I knew the music wouldn't be quite your cup of tea but also knew that you'd love the trees!

alaine@éclectique said...

Hello Lyn, I thought it a good pairing when I read the words. I love playing this piece too.

Susan said...

That first picture looks a LOT like the live oak trees in Louisiana and the Deep South. The big difference is the live oaks are dripping with Spanish moss. Makes them look very eerie. I love the Paris allee.