Book Description

"Elijah" is probably the most dramatic oratorio 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 Mendelsoohn's earlier "St. Paul," the text was arranged by Julius Schubring. The English translation was made by William Bartholomew, who sent it to the composer piecemeal as he worked. 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 reprint of the vocal score edited by Hermann Ktrezschmar and published in Leipzig by C. F. Peters in the early 20th century.