The History of Mendelssohn's Oratorio 'Elijah'

This volume offers a vivid portrait of Felix Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah as it emerged in mid‑19th‑century England. Drawing on dozens of letters that have never been published before, the author reconstructs the composer’s creative decisions, his dialogue with translators, and the excitement surrounding the Birmingham premiere of August 1846.

Readers will find a wealth of contemporary illustrations, including a newly reproduced portrait of the young Mendelssohn, and facsimile excerpts of handwritten correspondence that reveal his meticulous approach to setting the biblical text to music. Careful editorial notes explain obscure Greek phrases and musical symbols that appear in the original documents.

An introductory essay by a leading music historian places Elijah alongside other great English oratorios, highlighting why it quickly became a staple of the concert repertoire. The book balances scholarly detail with an accessible narrative, making it a valuable resource for both devoted listeners and anyone curious about the story behind one of the century’s most powerful choral works.