HANDEL: Xerxes.

This article focuses on a 3-CD recording of George Frideric Handel's opera *Serse* (Xerxes), performed by the English Concert under Harry Bicket. The opera, based on a libretto originally set by Bononcini and derived from a 1655 libretto by Cavalli, features musical and dramatic elements reflecting the leisurely life of the Persian king Xerxes rather than his military exploits. Notable for its blend of comic and serious elements, *Serse* includes the famous aria "Ombra mai fu" and employs vocal roles that historically involved castrati and women in male roles; this recording uses mezzos for the title role and Arsamene, with three mezzos portraying both male and female characters. The performance is distinguished by the vocal excellence of sopranos Lucy Crowe and Mary Bevan as Romilda and Atalanta, praised for their Baroque singing technique and expressive interpretation.