Iestyn Davies sings Handel - ’Ombra mai fu’ from Serse, HWV40 | Iestyn Davies, AAM

Internationally acclaimed countertenor Iestyn Davies sings the achingly lovely aria ’Ombra mai fu’ from Handel’s opera Serse (Xerxes), HWV40. Iestyn is joined by the Academy of Ancient Music, directed by Chad Kelly. OMBRA MAI FU The opening number from Handel’s 1738 opera, Serse, this aria was re-discovered in the 19th century and has become one of Handel’s best-known pieces. Often known simply as ’Largo from Xerxes’, this aria was adapted by Handel from a setting by Giovanni Bononcini, who in turn had adapted it from a setting by Francesco Cavalli. Sung in the opera by the main character Xerxes I of Persia as he admires the shade of a plane tree: ’Ombra mai fu di vegetabile, cara ed amabile, soave più.’ ’Never was a shade of any plant dearer and more lovely, or more sweet.’ MUSIC ’Ombra Mai Fu’ from: Xerses / Serse HWV 40 [1738] composer: G. F Handel [1685 - 1759] ACADEMY OF ANCIEN