Serse, an Italian opera by George Frideric Handel receives its premiere performance in London, England.

George Frideric Handel's captivating opera, Serse (Italian pronunciation: [ˈsɛrse]), often known by its English title Xerxes (HWV 40), stands as a prime example of the opera seria genre. This magnificent three-act work first graced the London stage on 15 April 1738, offering audiences a dramatic and musical spectacle. At its core, the opera tells a story set in ancient Persia, specifically around 470 BC, drawing very loosely from the life and reign of the historical figure Xerxes I, a powerful Achaemenid king whose empire stretched across much of the ancient world. However, the opera prioritizes personal drama and emotional depth over strict historical accuracy, a common practice in Baroque opera.

The intricate Italian libretto for Serse was not entirely original to Handel's time. It was carefully adapted by an anonymous hand from an earlier libretto penned by Silvio Stampiglia (1664–1725) for Giovanni Bononcini's opera of the same name, which premiered in 1694. This lineage extends even further back, as Stampiglia’s work itself was based on a libretto by Nicolò Minato (c.1627–1698), famously set to music by Francesco Cavalli in 1654. This rich history of adaptation and reinterpretation highlights the enduring appeal of the underlying narrative.

In Handel's original production, the title role of Serse, a mezzo-soprano part, was written for a castrato. This vocal tradition, prevalent in Baroque opera, allowed for voices of incredible agility and range. Today, however, with the practice of castrati no longer existing, the role is typically performed by a female mezzo-soprano or a countertenor, ensuring that the unique vocal qualities and dramatic intensity are preserved for modern audiences.

Perhaps the most universally recognized element of Serse is its exquisite opening aria, "Ombra mai fu". This celebrated piece, sung by Xerxes to a beloved plane tree (Platanus orientalis), is built upon one of Handel’s most cherished and enduring melodies. So popular and evocative is this aria that it is often colloquially referred to as Handel's "Largo," despite its actual tempo marking in the score being "larghetto" – a slight but significant difference that reflects a gentle, flowing pace rather than a very slow one. Its serene beauty and memorable tune have ensured its place not only in the opera house but also in popular culture and concert halls worldwide.

The Enduring Legacy of George Frideric Handel

Born Georg Friedrich Händel (German: [ˈɡeːɔʁk ˈfʁiːdʁɪç ˈhɛndl̩]) on 23 February 1685, and passing away on 14 April 1759, George Frideric Handel was a towering figure of the Baroque era, a German-born composer who later became a naturalised British subject. His prolific output encompasses an astonishing array of musical forms, from the dramatic heights of his operas and powerful oratorios to his majestic anthems, intricate concerti grossi, and vibrant organ concertos. Handel's early musical education unfolded in Halle, Germany, before he honed his craft as a composer in the vibrant musical centers of Hamburg and Italy. It was in 1712 that he finally settled in London, a city that would become his home for the greater part of his illustrious career and where he would ultimately gain British citizenship in 1727, cementing his "German-British" identity.

Handel's musical genius was forged at the crossroads of diverse traditions. He was profoundly influenced by the rich, polyphonic choral traditions of middle Germany, which instilled in him a mastery of intricate vocal textures. Simultaneously, his time in Italy exposed him to the passionate melodies and dramatic structures of the Italian Baroque, particularly its operatic forms. In turn, Handel's own music represents one of the pinnacles of the "high Baroque" style. He elevated Italian opera to its highest development, created entirely new genres such as the English oratorio and the organ concerto, and introduced a fresh, innovative style into English church music, forever shaping the soundscape of the nation. To this day, he is consistently recognized as one of the greatest and most influential composers of his age, whose contributions continue to resonate.

A Master of Opera and Oratorio

Initially, Handel dedicated significant energy to establishing Italian opera in England. He founded no fewer than three commercial opera companies, including the renowned Royal Academy of Music, to cater to the discerning tastes of the English nobility. However, the demanding nature of these ventures, coupled with the fickleness of public taste, often led to financial difficulties and immense stress. In 1737, Handel suffered a debilitating physical breakdown, a pivotal moment that prompted a profound shift in his creative direction. Moving away from the increasingly challenging world of Italian opera, he began to focus on English choral works, which proved to be more accessible and appealing to the burgeoning middle class. This transition was spectacularly successful, particularly after the monumental triumph of his oratorio Messiah in 1742. Following this watershed moment, Handel never composed another Italian opera, his creative energies now fully invested in the English oratorio, a genre he virtually invented.

Beyond his vocal masterpieces, Handel’s orchestral works have also achieved enduring popularity. His iconic Water Music, composed for a royal excursion on the River Thames, and the celebratory Music for the Royal Fireworks, commissioned for a public spectacle, remain beloved staples of the classical repertoire. Furthermore, one of his four majestic coronation anthems, Zadok the Priest, has achieved a unique status, having been performed at every British coronation since 1727, a testament to its grandeur and symbolic power. Towards the end of his life, Handel, almost completely blind, passed away on 14 April 1759. He was a respected and wealthy man, and in recognition of his immense contributions to British culture, he was accorded the rare honour of a state funeral at Westminster Abbey, where he lies buried among kings and poets.

Handel's compositional output includes well over forty opere serie, spanning a remarkable period of more than three decades. After a period of relative neglect, interest in Handel's music began to surge dramatically from the late 1960s onwards, thanks to the early music revival and a renewed appreciation for Baroque artistry. Esteemed musicologist Winton Dean eloquently summarized Handel's unique talent, stating that "Handel was not only a great composer; he was a dramatic genius of the first order." Indeed, his profound musical insights and dramatic flair were recognized even by his illustrious successors, with Classical-era composers such as Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven all expressing admiration for his work, solidifying his place in the pantheon of Western classical music.

Frequently Asked Questions About Serse and Handel

What is George Frideric Handel's opera Serse about?
Serse, or Xerxes, is an opera seria that centers around the Persian king Xerxes I, focusing on his romantic entanglements and dynastic struggles rather than historical events. It features a complex web of love, jealousy, and mistaken identity within the royal court.
Who composed the music for Serse?
The opera Serse was composed by the renowned German-British Baroque master, George Frideric Handel (HWV 40).
What is the most famous aria from Serse?
Without a doubt, the most famous aria is the opening piece, "Ombra mai fu", often known as Handel's "Largo". It is sung by Xerxes in praise of a beloved plane tree and is one of Handel's most recognizable melodies.
Why is the opera sometimes called Xerxes?
Xerxes is the English translation of the Italian title Serse. It refers to the historical Persian king Xerxes I, upon whose life the opera is very loosely based.
What is a castrato, and who sings the role of Serse today?
A castrato was a male singer castrated before puberty to preserve his soprano or mezzo-soprano range, a common practice in Baroque opera. Today, the role of Serse, originally for a mezzo-soprano castrato, is typically performed by a female mezzo-soprano or a countertenor, who can replicate the high male vocal range.
How many operas did Handel compose during his lifetime?
Handel was incredibly prolific, composing well over forty opere serie throughout his distinguished career.
Where did George Frideric Handel live and work for most of his career?
After training in Germany and working in Hamburg and Italy, Handel settled in London in 1712, where he spent the vast majority of his career and became a naturalised British subject.
What are some other famous works by Handel?
Beyond his operas, Handel is celebrated for his oratorios like Messiah, particularly the "Hallelujah" chorus, and his instrumental pieces such as the Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks. His coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest, is also globally recognized.