Mendelssohns Elijah: An oratorio for the generations
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social sciences
presentation
published 28/11/2008
review : Completed
level : Advanced
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On Wednesday, August 26, 1846, Felix Mendelssohns revered oratorio, Elijah, was premiered at the Birmingham Music Festival. The work met instant lauds, hailed by the London Times, Never was there a more complete triumph- never a more thorough and speedy recognition of a great art (Anderson). A hurried completion of the piece had left only the first part printed. The remaining parts were sung from manuscript copies, complete with crossed out corrections in different colored ink and only the vocal outline and basso continuo for solo parts (Jack Werner 11), and yet the performance was an incredible success. The concert was well publicized with good press leading up to it. The performance was at 11:30. At least eight numbers, four choruses and four arias were encored. The performance met rave reviews from musicians, conductor, and critics alike (Jack Werner 19).
Table of Contents
- Introduction.
- Elijah and the personal life of Mendelssohn.
- Elijah - an oratorio in two parts.
- The first performance for the Birmingham Festival.
- Elijah: marked by musical elements that display Mendelssohn's technical genius.
- Mendelssohn's use of fugue and counterpoint.
- The spread of Mendelssohn's desire in England.
- Mendelssohn's impact, and specifically that of Elijah.
- Conclusion.
