Händel: Xerxes (3CD)

There are large-scale classical compositions from which only a single melody literally goes around the world. Often these melodies, which have become hits, manage to mercilessly eclipse the works from which they originate. This is what happened in the case of Handel's opera "Xerxes" (Serse). A single aria, known as the "Largo," even entered the repertoire of salon and dance musicians, but the entire opera - one of the most fascinating pieces from Handel's pen - was only properly rediscovered a few decades ago. The fact that it is now back on the repertoires of opera houses worldwide is also thanks to early music expert William Christie, who now presents a complete recording. In November 2003, the multiple award-winning conductor William Christie surprised audiences with a magnificent interpretation of Handel's "Serse" in Paris, which was soon heard in Lyon and Caen as well as in concert in London. Rarely has it been possible to unite such an accomplished cast of big names for this work about a love story involving the ancient Persian king Xerxes: Mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter is heard in the title role - originally written for a castrato - and soprano Sandrine Piau embodies Atalanta. Countertenor Lawrence Zazzo takes the role of Arsamene, Xerxes' brother and antagonist. Christie's renowned ensemble Les Arts Florissants lends distinctive color to the opera, in which Handel employs many techniques of musical characterization that were modern for his time.