First performed at the Haymarket theatre in London back in the 18th Century, this opera lasted for only five performances before its run ended, but it's now available on DVD. It contains one of Handel's most famous tunes. What is the tune, what is the opera and what is the aria?

"Fernando, Re di Castiglia" while not a familiar name in the Handel canon, is essentially the opera "Sosarme". The aria "Ombra mai fu", known as "Largo from Xerxes" is the tune, unless I have my operas confused; (possible, because it is late here and I am tired!)

Yes, that's good enough for me - a fine answer from a tired site administrator! The theatre's called the Theatre Royal, Haymarket now, and has had a chequered history and several phoenix-style rebirths:

http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/HerMajestysTheatre.htm

Handel's largo it is (click on 'Xerxes - largo' in this link:

http://www.baroquecds.com/46Web.html