Largo: “Ombra mai fu” from Xerxes (violin duo)

Title: Largo: “Ombra mai fu” from the opera Xerxes

Composer: G. F. Handel, arr. David Gable

Instrumentation: Two Violins

Printout: 2 pages

Note: Generally known as the “Largo” from Xerxes, Ombra mai fu is one of Handel’s most admired arias. And for good reasons: it has a beautiful melody, luscious harmonies, and no da capo. Despite its familiar title, the actual tempo designation is larghetto.