description Serse Overview
Serse is an Italian-language opera by George Frideric Handel, first performed in London in 1738 and based loosely on the Persian king Xerxes I. The work mixes serious, romantic, and comic situations more freely than conventional opera seria, centering on Serse's pursuit of Romilda despite the competing attachments and disguises around him. Its opening aria, "Ombra mai fu," addresses the shade of a plane tree and has become widely known outside the opera.
help Serse FAQ
Why does Serse sing "Ombra mai fu" to a tree?
At the opera's opening, the Persian king Xerxes praises the shade and beauty of a plane tree. The arioso is marked larghetto in Handel's score, despite often being marketed separately as "Handel's Largo."
What is the central love tangle in Handel's Serse?
Serse wants Romilda, but she loves his brother Arsamene, while her sister Atalanta also wants Arsamene. Serse's abandoned fiancée Amastre observes the confusion in disguise and eventually confronts him.
Why is Serse funnier than a typical Handel opera seria?
Its royal love plot is interrupted by deceptions, misunderstandings and the comic servant Elviro, who at one point disguises himself as a flower seller. This mixture of serious and comic tones contributed to its unusual reception in 1738.
Who originally sang the title role in Serse?
The castrato Caffarelli created the role at London's King's Theatre in 1738. Modern productions commonly assign Serse to a countertenor or mezzo-soprano.
explore Explore More
Similar to Serse
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
