Handel and Persian History

Handel and Persian History

In 2017, I had an opportunity to visit Handel's house and museum in London. That visit inspired months of reading about Handel's life and listening to many of his works. I was pleasantly surprised how many of Handel's operas and oratorios were set in Persia (currently Iran). Handel set many of the stories of The Old Testament to oratorios and operas. There are many references to Achaemenid, Askanid, and Sassanid Persian dynasties in the old bible. However, the stories of Xerxes, Sosarme, and Alexander's Feast are also based on ancient Greek historians' reports.  

There are no Persian melodies in any of these operas. Operatic productions I have seen use costumes that are nothing but Persian. The Royal Opera House production of Xerxes, available on DVD, does a good job of featuring symbols and arts of the Achaemenid dynasty. 

The operas cover the Medes (Sosarme), Achaemenids (Cyrus in Belshazzar; Esther; and Xerxes), and the Sassanid (Siroe) eras.  Here's a summary of 6 operas and oratorios that are set in ancient Iran:

1- Esther (1732)

This Hebrew biblical story is the topic of the first English oratorio ever written. Characters include Esther, Ahasuerus (Xerxes: Khashayar Shah), Mordecai, Haman, Herbinah, Israelite woman, and First Israelite. 

Esther was born as Hadassah, and became the Queen of Persia and prevented the genocide of her people. The Jewish festival of Purim is based on her story. 

Unknown to many, the tomb of Esther and Mordecai are in the Iranian city of Hamadan.

2- Belshazzar (1744)

Characters of this opera are legendary historic figures, including the Prophet Daniel, Cyrus the Great of Persia (Koorosh), and Belshazzar, King of Babylon, and his mother Queen Nitocris. Queen Nitocris warns Belshazzar against his mistreament of captive Jews to no avail. Ordered by God, Cyrus takes over Babylon, Belshazzar is slain, and Cyrus the Great assists the Jews to return to their homeland. 

3- Serse (1738)

The story of Serse I is loosely based on King Xerxes (Khashayar Shah) of the Persian Achaemenid dynasty. The idea of love triangles and complicated relationships was common among operas of the time. Xerxes was about to marry Amastre, however, he fell in love with Romilda, herself in love with Xerxe's brother Arsamene (Arsaamanesh or Arsaam).  Romilda's sister is also in love with Arsamene.  The story of the opera goes around these complicated relationships until at the end of opera Xerxes returns to Amastris and apologizes to her (somehow similar to Mozart's Marriage of Figaro and Clemenza di Tito). Read more about historical Persian Queens here. 

4- Siroe Re di Persia (1728)

Siroe (Sheeroo'yeh), was the crown Prince of Persia during the Sassanid dynasty. Son of Kind Cosroe (Khosrow), he was framed by Medarse, his brother, and Laodice, Cosroe's mistress, as plotting against Cosroe. Emira's father was killed by Cosroe but she loves Siroe and encourages him to turn against his father. In the end, all ends well after the plot is revealed and Siroe becomes the next King of Persia (Qobad).

5- Sosarme Re di Media (1732)

Sosarme's story is about the neighboring Lydian and Median monarchs (former Iran ruled by the Medes, current Kurds). 

Lydia is ruled by King Haliate. His son, Melo, has rebelled against him. Melo, believes his father favors his illegitimate son, Argone. 

Sosarme, the Median King, has been engaged to Princess Elmira, who is Melo's sister. He is planning a war on the Lydians to stop the royal family's war. Eventually, father and son make peace and Sosarme and Elmira marry. 

6- Alexander's Feast (1736)

Alexander's Feast highlights the celebrations after Persepolis was set on fire by Alexander and Persia was conquered by the Macedonians. 

Edited by: Leisl B-Jaberg