I'm sure that I haven't heard every aria written to date, but the one that
comes immediately to mind is "Va Tacito E Nascosto" from Handel's Giulio
Cesare. It's Germanic to the core, gorgeous, possesses great urgency, and
the orchestral contributions are stunning.
By far, the best recording I've heard of this aria is from James Bowman and
Robert King on an Hyperion disc titled "Heroic Arias". It is a perfect
interpretation, and I consider it very unlikely that I'll ever hear it
performed as well.
Don Satz
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