Handel's Largo.
The Italian word largo, is inevitably associated with the opening aria from Handel's Italian opera Serse, or Xerxes.
The song, sung by the Emperor Xerxes in praise of a plane-tree, much to the amusement of hidden onlookers.
Yes, I will run that plot past you again, and people say some the subjects on the old Anvil Homepage were 'odd' ..
Serse, King of Persia and a tyrant, is in love with a plane tree. He lounges in his garden and declares his love. His brother, Arsamene, accompanied by his bodyguard, Elviro, arrives to find his beloved Romilda. They hear her singing about love and using as an example the King’s love for a tree. Serse suddenly sees Romilda and instantly falls in love – he finds out from Arsamene who the singer is and orders him to help arrange the marriage. His brother stalls for time so Serse decides to go to her and declare himself.
Arsamene finds Romilda first and warns her of Serses plan but Romilda vows she will be constant. Romilda’s sister Atalanta summons up the courage to declare her love for Arsamene, but they ignore her.
Serse arrives and asks Romilda to share his throne – Arsamene interrupts and is immediately banished. Romilda vows to be true to Arsamene, much to Serses annoyance.
Amastre, a foreign princess engaged to Serse, arrives on the scene, disguises herself as a soldier and hides. Ariodate, Serses general and father of the two sisters, celebrates a victorious battle campaign. Serse promises him, as reward, that Romilda will marry a prince "equal to Serse and of Serses line." Amastre overhears Serse wondering about his new love and nearly reveals herself. Serse is left alone and ponders on the new "flames of love" in his heart.
midi by john meyer