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After enormous success in 1836 with the premiere of St Paul, Mendelssohn contemplated writing additional large-scale choral works based mostly on biblical themes.
When did Mendelssohn compose Elijah?
Mendelssohn was notably drawn to the dramatic potential of depicting the extraordinary lifetime of the prophet Elijah, but plans to write down it stalled for a few years, solely to be revived after he acquired a fee for a brand new work to be featured on the 1846 Birmingham Pageant.
The eagerly awaited premiere of Elijah, given within the metropolis’s City Corridor earlier than an viewers of two,000, proved to be a triumph and the oratorio, conspicuously revised by its self-critical composer the next 12 months, shortly established itself as a British choral society favorite.
With a basic response towards perceived Victorian notions of religiosity setting in throughout the twentieth century, Elijah skilled a pointy decline in reputation. However in recent times it has discovered favour in Germany, the place it’s justifiably thought to be a worthy successor to the choral works of Bach and Handel that have been essential influences on the composer.
The most effective recordings of Mendelssohn’s Elijah
Hans-Christoph Rademann (conductor)
Oliemans, Petersen et al; RIAS Kammerchor, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin (2015)
Accentus ACC30356
It’s a matter of style whether or not you like to expertise Mendelssohn’s masterpiece within the authentic German or in its English translation, since each variations have been deemed genuine by the composer.
This efficiency, recorded reside within the Berlin Konzerthaus in July 2015, proves to be particularly riveting, surpassing extremely rated variations sung in German carried out by Frieder Bernius and Thomas Hengelbrock. The 40-strong RIAS Kammerchor is excellent all through, projecting the textual content not solely with phenomenal readability and sensitivity, but additionally using a variety of dynamics and colouring in order to create the phantasm {that a} far larger physique of singers is concerned.
Equally, the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin is professional in bringing out the subtleties of Mendelssohn’s orchestration and ship arguably the best interval instrument enjoying on disc. Other than the fantastic Marlis Petersen, the soloists is probably not family names, however all of them cowl themselves in glory with expressive and dramatically targeted singing.
However the principle plaudits should go to conductor Hans-Christoph Rademann who is especially expert in sustaining the dramatic momentum by the extra static sections of the second a part of the oratorio. There’s little doubt too that the sheer adrenaline of a reside efficiency, aided by a vivid recording, makes this some of the satisfying of all Elijahs.
Paul McCreesh (conductor)
Simon Keenlyside, Rosemary Joshua et al; Wroclaw Philharmonic Choir, Gabrieli Consort & Gamers (2012)
Signum Winged Lion SIGCD300
McCreesh has opted to recreate the particular frisson of the 1846 Birmingham Pageant efficiency of Elijah by participating equally massed forces to these utilized by the composer.
However that is no mere train in historic correctness, for the conductor marshals the large variety of singers and gamers with masterly ability, taking infinite care to make sure that textures stay as gentle and clear as attainable.
Admittedly, there are a couple of moments the place the phrases will not be all the time fully clear, however on the massive climaxes, for instance within the opening refrain, the visceral energy of the choral sound sends shivers down the backbone.
Extra like this
Wolfgang Sawallisch (conductor)
Theo Adam, Elly Ameling et al; Leipzig Gewandhaus, Rundfunkchor Leipzig (1968)
Decca 438 3682
Regardless of a recording that reveals its age, this studio efficiency is value listening to for the superlative conducting of Wolfgang Sawallisch, some of the devoted of all Mendelssohn interpreters, whose huge operatic expertise reaps dividends in negotiating the rating’s dramatic ebb and move.
Though Sawallisch re-recorded the work for Hänssler Profil with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Refrain and Orchestra in 2001, this earlier model boasts finer soloists, not least Theo Adam, whose Elijah has Wagnerian gravitas and the Aristocracy. Elly Ameling and Peter Schreier are equally compelling.
But the actual hero on this recording is the Leipzig Gewandhaus, the orchestra that gave the primary German efficiency of the work. Pay attention with bated breath as they ratchet up the stress of their irresistibly thrilling account of the Overture.
Paul Daniel (conductor)
Bryn Terfel, Renée Fleming et al; OAE, Edinburgh Pageant Refrain (1997)
Decca 455 6882
No one rivals the dramatic vary of Bryn Terfel in his portrayal of the prophet, at one second compassionate and contemplative, then out of the blue seized with rage and defiance.
The opposite singers additionally excel, notably John Mark Ainsley who delivers a stunningly stunning ‘If with all of your hearts’, whereas Renée Fleming brings heat and distinction to the soprano half. Conductor Paul Daniel wipes away any lingering notions of Victorian fustiness, imbuing Mendelssohn’s rating with vigour and lyricism with the assistance of energetic enjoying from the period-instrument OAE.
The Edinburgh Pageant Refrain enters into the spirit with dedicated singing, although regardless of Decca’s clear recording, not all of the phrases are clearly audible. Nonetheless, this recording makes for compelling listening.
Illustration: Steve Rawlings/Debut Artwork
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