Various - George Frideric Handel: Xerxes

Xerxes is one of Handel�s latest and most frequently performed operas, famous for its marvelous opening aria �Ombra mai fu�. At the centre of the confusing tragicomedy, very loosely based upon the life of Xerxes I of Persia, is a powerful and lovesick royal eccentric, King Xerxes. Rising opera star Ga�lle Arquez in the title role of Xerxes �scintillates with her nimble, luminous mezzo-soprano�, singing �irresistibly beautiful, impassioned, furious � but never mean� (Frankfurter Rundschau). Frankfurt�s excellent Opera and Museum Orchester contributes �all sorts of refinements� to this �musical smash hit� (Deutschlandfunk) and �In Frankfurt Tilman K�hler ensures a three-hour short abundant and furious banquett � a great evening of opera� (Deutschlandfunk).