Wilk w owczej skórze? Bohaterowie lub/i nikczemnicy obojga płci w operach G.F. Händla na przykładzie postaci Kserksesa, Polinessa, Grimoalda, Alciny i Tolomea

The article is dedicated to hidden meaning in musical arrangement of the operatic arias by George Frideric Handel. The main goal of this text is to redefine the true nature of villains heroes in Handel's operas. The analysis contains examples of five works: Giulio Cesare in Egitto (HWV 17), Rodelinda (HWV 19), Ariodante (HWV 33), Alcina (HWV 34) and Xerxes (HWV 40) upon which examination of traditional role of rascals (which are Tolomeo, Grimoaldo, Polinesso, Alcina and Xerxes) reveals their secret keeping positive aspects. The composer changed the original meaning of the libretti by using compositional techniques traditionally linked with positive heroes. In addition the comparison of listed works allows to assess to what extent the strict categories form a opera seria type were modified by Handel and shapes new questions for further examination.