Felix Mendelssohn
Elijah is one of the most dramatic oratorios ever written - crowded with stirring incident and music which claims attention. It was the composer’s desire to be dramatic, and he knew how to achieve his end. The text is a mosaic of biblical verses taken principally from the First Book of Kings, but having the effect of a vivid, spontaneous story. As with Mendelsohn’s earlier oratorio St. Paul, the text was translated and assembled by Julius Schubring from Biblical originals. The English translation was made by William Bartholomew, who sent it to the composer piecemeal as he worked as the premiere was actually given in English on August 26, 1846 in Birmingham. The musical character of Elijah is clearly drawn, and Mendelssohn has succeeded in making the prophet 'A man strong and zealous, full of bitterness and scorn, the antagonist of the rabble, whether of courtiers or populace, well nigh the antagonist of the world, yet borne aloft on the wings of angels.' Unabrdged digitally enhanced reissue in large-format of the vocal score edited by Hermann Ktrezschmar and published in Leipzig by C.F. Peters in the late 19th century. Matching full score and orchestral parts are also available from Serenissima Music (92659).
