Händel: Ombra mai fu; Caruso 1920

Recorced 21. Jan. 1920 - less than a year before his last performance at the MET and subsequent death. I have uploaded this before, but it was played too fast. “Ombra mai fu“ is the opening aria from the 1738 opera Serse or Xerxes by G.F. Händel. Originally composed to be sung by a soprano castrato ..... ! LYRICS Frondi tenere e belle del mio platano amato per voi risplenda il fato. Tuoni, lampi, e procelle non v’oltraggino mai la cara pace, nè giunga a profanarvi austro rapace. Ombra mai fu di vegetabile, cara ed amabile, soave più. ENGLISH 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. A shade there never was, of any plant, dearer and more lovely, or more sweet.