Details

Elijah contains some of Mendelssohn's most well known and beautiful music. Drawn from the account of Elijah in the book of Kings, Elijah pronounces God's curse that there shall be no rain for three years. Elijah calls upon God to restore a widow's son to life. He then calls upon God to send rain and tells the priests of Baal to make a sacrifice to see whose God is Lord. He faces the opposition of Queen Jezebel, as he realises that the mountains and hills will eventually disappear, God's kindness will remain. He is taken up to heaven by fiery horses in a fiery chariot. The Tenor sings that the righteous shall shine forth and the chorus of people add a final hymn of praise to bring the oratorio to a joyful conclusion. Sung in English

Cast/Performers

Barbara Bonney (soprano), Katharina Kammerloher (mezzo-soprano), Simon Keenlyside (baritone)

Creatives/Company

Music: Mendelssohn
Company(s): Philharmonia Orchestra, Philharmonia Chorus