Largo (from Xerxes) — Music Box Variable Wind Quintet

“Ombra mai fù” (also known as Handel's “Largo”) is one of the most famous arias from Xerxes. In it, Xerxes speaks of his love for the beautiful tree in his palace garden. Placed immediately after the overture, the aria is unrelated to the overall story line; the greatness of the music lies in its utter simplicity, attractive melodic line, and stunningly expressive sonority.