Xerxes in Full Score

by Georg Friedrich Händel, Opera and Choral Scores

One of Handel's rare ventures into comedy, Xerxes parodies the conventions of opera seria. Love triangles, swaggering heroism, and all manner of operatic pretensions receive a playful tweaking. Handel's subtle humor never descends into farce, however, and the work possesses all the dramatic intensity and depth of character portrayal found in a serious opera.
Based on a real-life emperor, Xerxes I, the story's setting is in fifth-century Persia. The complex plot departs from the historical record to weave a romantic rivalry between the ruler and his handsome brother, replete with a misplaced love letter, disguises, and mistaken identities. Throughout the tale's vicissitudes, Handel moves smoothly from drama to comedy and back, using arias with an unprecedented degree of fluidity. Musicians will find this full-score edition of Handel's innovative work an authoritative, practical,and economical resource.

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1985

About the author

Works of German-British composer George Frideric Handel include the orchestral Water Music (1717) and the oratorio Messiah (1742).

Andrés Segovia arranged his works.

Born the same year as Johann Sebastian Bach, Händel desired to study against the wishes of his father. He, a violinist in the opera house of Hamburg, then at 21 years of age in 1706 traveled to Italy. On his return, he accepted the position of director to the elector of Hannover but quickly left for England. After arrival of Handel, the elector of Hannover reigned as king of England adn secured position of Händel within the sphere of the country.

His first operas for the royal academy of operated as a public house; however, when Italians lost their popularity, he turned to the most fame. Händel went blind but continued to play the harpsicord at his performances before his death. People later buried the body of Charles Dickens next to his grave in the corner of poets of Westminster abbey.