I would say that Serse (Xerxes) is as good a Handel opera to start with as any. It has its dull stretches but also a lot that's intriguing. There's an excellent old recording with Maureen Forrester in the title role--it's only annoying feature is an overprominent harpsichord, but the singing is splendid, as is the orchestra! (Brian Priestman conducts) Aaron J. Rabushka [log in to unmask] http://www.cowtown.net/users/arabushk/