Handel's three-act opera "Sosarme, Re di Media" (HWV 30) was performed for the first time in 1732 with star castrato Senesino in the title role. The plot centres on a family conflict over the succession to the throne. This edition also contains the recitatives written for the early two-act version "Fernando, Re di Castiglia" which the composer did not complete. In addition, the early versions of three arias which do not belong to “Fernando” are included.

The vocal score with its well-presented layout is based on the "Halle Handel Edition" (HHA) and contains the original Italian text as well as a singable German translation.