My Choice 723 - Handel: Largo from Xerxes

Serse or Xerxes is an opera seria in three acts by George Frideric Handel. It was first performed in London on 15 April 1738.

The libretto is adapted by an unknown hand from that by Silvio Stampiglia for an earlier opera of the same name by Giovanni Bononcini in 1694. Stampiglia's libretto was itself based on one by Nicolò Minato that was set by Francesco Cavalli in 1654.

The opera is set in Persia in 480 BC and is very loosely based upon Xerxes I of Persia, though there is little in either the libretto or music that is relevant to that setting. Xerxes is now generally performed by a mezzo soprano or counter tenor.

The opening aria, "Ombra mai fù", sung by Xerxes to a tree (Platanus orientalis), is set to one of Handel's best-known melodies, and is often played in an orchestral arrangement, known as Handel's "largo" (despite being marked "larghetto" in the score).

George Frideric Handel (German: Georg Friedrich Händel (1685 -- 1759) was a German-British Baroque composer who is famous for his operas, oratorios, and concertos. Handel was born in Germany in the same year as Johann Sebastian Bach and Domenico Scarlatti. He received critical musical training in Italy before settling in London and becoming a naturalised British subject. His works include Messiah, Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks.

He was strongly influenced by the techniques of the great composers of the Italian Baroque and the middle-German polyphonic Choral tradition. Handel's music was well-known to many composers, including Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.

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[ShirleyJean1000]

This has long been one of my favourite pieces of music and this is a magnificent arrangement. Thank you for the accompanying operatic pictures which truly added to the enjoyment of this video. Thank you for sharing this with us Alfred.

[malpen04]

@ShirleyJean1000 It has been one of my faves also - too beautiful not to like it. Thanks for your kind encouraging comment, Shirley.

[mikeyousofine]

A truly sensational piece of music. Beautiful video. Thank you Alfred.

Kind regards, Michael

[malpen04]

@mikeyousofine Thanks Michael. This has been and will remain famous. It's a masterpiece of Handel. Regards

[Grazio333]

Beautiful LARGO.... It raises spiritual, emotional feelings.......!!!

[malpen04]

@Grazio333 I always liked it. It's nice for the pipe organ also - so solemn and majestic. Thanks, amigo and warm regards.

[JasAlf5959]

@magicdog77 Thanks. I didn't know but i know it had been used extensively in various programs.

[magicdog77]

Used as the theme and played throughout the australian movie 'Bad Boy Bubby'.

[malpen04]

@97641282 Haven't seen it neither but heard the music several times. this is a very popular Largo which will never disappear from the music world.

[97641282]

I have never seen this opera live,but I like what you presented on this video.

Thank you Alfred.