The composer’s masterpiece has been one of Britain’s most popular
choral works for more than 170 years. Uplifting and dramatic, it has
been a firm favourite of choral societies since it premiered at
Birmingham Town Hall in 1846, and it is therefore truly remarkable
that, whilst the Northampton Bach Choir have performed it on many
occasions, the last time was fifteen years ago (May 2005)!
This Old Testament story sees Israel in the grip of a corrupt
regime. God sends the Prophet Elijah to sort it out – something he
achieves, spectacularly, through a series of miracles including
resurrecting a boy and sacrificing a bull. But it’s not all fire and
brimstone. It’s also Mendelssohn’s own unique exploration of faith
and doubt from an era of great change. This change was seen very
clearly in Mendelssohn’s own family. His grandfather, Moses
Mendelssohn, was a Jewish philosopher who helped bring about the
‘Jewish enlightenment’, but Felix himself converted to Christianity
(though his letters to his Mother suggest that his conversion wasn’t
entirely wholehearted). Mendelssohn was hugely inspired by the
Baroque oratorios of Bach and Handel, whose influence can be heard
throughout Elijah.
Programme:
Northampton Bach Choir
Conductor - Lee Dunleavy
Mendelssohn - Elijah |
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