Serse

opera by George Frideric Handel

Serse (English: Xerxes) is an opera seria in three acts with music by George Frideric Handel. The Italian libretto was written by Silvio Stampiglia. The opera was first performed in London on 15 April 1738. The opera was a failure. It closed after only five performances. The first aria in the opera, "Ombra mai fu", is very famous. It is sometimes known as "Handel's Largo".

Serse
by George Frideric Handel
Handel in 1733
GenreOpera seria in 3 acts
Native titleSerse
TranslationXerxes
LibrettistSilvio Stampiglia
LanguageItalian
PremiereLondon, England
15 April 1738