Before Handel started writing oratorios (like Messiah), he was a successful and celebrated composer of operas, including Rinaldo, his first opera after moving to London.
'Lascia ch'io pianga' (Almirena) Aria in F major for soprano, 2 violins, viola and basso continuo From the opera 'Rinaldo', HWV 7 (No. 22) Libretto: Giacomo ...