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  iPersian.org
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Can you Händel A Fresh Xerxes?

9/28/2011

2 Comments

 
Picture
SF Opera breathes new life in something really old, an opera by Händel written nearly 300 years ago about خشایارشا‎  (Xerxes I) who lived nearly 2500 years ago.   

If you cannot sit through the nearly four hour opera, I recommend you listen to the opening aria, Ombra mai fu, one of his most famous melodies.  In the aria Xerxes sings to a tree.  

The piece also has the unusual distinction of being the first music ever broadcast on radio!

More about San Francisco Opera's performance...

2 Comments
Farhad
3/5/2012 02:09:22 am

Who knew Europeans were singing about Persians 300 years ago? How the world has changed in, hmmm, 300 years.

Reply
Xerxes the 17th
3/5/2012 04:15:37 am

I wonder what goes on this Opera. The is the same Xerxes of the "300" fame. Not the most loved king.

I agree with Farhad. The world sure has changed in 300 years.

The opera was a huge flop when it debuted in Europe. Later in the 19th century, the aria mentioned was rediscovered and eventually became one of the most recognizable Handel pieces.

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    Author

    Hamid Kafaii, is a resident of Marin County, and an active member of the community. He has appeared numerous times on TV and radio in the Bay Area, commenting on cultural and other matters Iranian.

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