28 Jun 2013

Curtain Raiser: Mendelssohn - Elijah

From the collecton Curtain Raiser
The prophet Elijah

The prophet Elijah Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

'Elijah' tells the story of the Old Testament prophet and was first performed at the Birmingham Festival in 1846.

Mendelssohn's great story-telling ability is on display in this dramatic oratorio for four soloists, chorus and orchestra.

Mendelssohn was a champion of the music of JS Bach and greatly admired the oratorios of Handel. The influence of both these composers can be heard in 'Elijah'.

The work is introduced by Brian Kay.

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