This
must be one of the most popular pieces in the choral repertoire.
Elijah
(or Elias) Oratorio, is Felix's Opus 70. Composed to a text selected from the
Bible by Julius Schrubring in 1846. It was many years in the making as Felix
honed it to the perfection he aspired. First performed in Birmingham in 1846, he
then revised it again. It was then performed three times in Exeter Hall, London
in 1847, followed by Hamburg in 1847, and New York in 1851. Six months after the
London performances he tragically died.
The
oratorio received immediate and ecstatic
acclaim. Scored for soprano, contralto, tenor, bass and treble soloists, boys
choir, mixed choir, and orchestra; it is a formidable work. But artists, musicians,
conductors and audiences alike enjoy it immensely.
In
addition to full performances, soloists and choirs thoroughly enjoy singing
solos and choruses from it in concerts. Here are three pieces from Felix's great
work as a taster.
Choose which you would like to hear . . .
Select further choices - Click
buttons above (OR left for Felix's Hymns) . . .