Xerxes is one of Handelâs latest and most frequently performed operas, famous for its marvelous opening aria âOmbra mai fuâ. 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 GaĂ«lle Arquez in the title role of Xerxes âscintillates with her nimble, luminous mezzo-sopranoâ, singing âirresistibly beautiful, impassioned, furious â but never meanâ (Frankfurter Rundschau). Frankfurtâs excellent Opera and Museum Orchester contributes âall sorts of refinementsâ to this âmusical smash hitâ (Deutschlandfunk) and âIn Frankfurt Tilman Köhler ensures a three-hour short abundant and furious banquett ⊠a great evening of operaâ (Deutschlandfunk).
