Has anyone listened to Mendessohn's Elijah?

Question

I'm just curious to know what people think about it. I love it.

No sarcastic answers please, I've had enough of those today : )

Answer 1

I love Elijah! I have a full recorded version, have sung in the chorus, have performed the Lift THine Eyes trio a few times and have studied a couple of the other solos and duets. I actually prefer it over Handel's Messiah, it's so theatrical. When I sang in a chorus, we did a semi-staged version of it that was quite impressive -- especially the Baal Answer Us/Call Him Louder. That movement gives me shivers every time. It's very difficult music, but it is just so moving, and so well-done.

Answer 2

I have sung the Tenor solos plus the recitatives in the Elijah 4 times. The two tenor solos are good especially the 2nd one "Then Shall the Righteous". It takes a good bass-baritone and actor to pull off the lead part of Elijah. If not it can be very boring. There are two fine anthems in the work,"Blessed are the men who fear him" and "He watching over Israel". These two anthems are as fine as has ever been written. It won't replace the "Messiah". I would suggest "Verdi's Requiem" and Brahms"Requiem" If you like beautiful chorus and exciting solo's.

JIM

Answer 3

Listened to it and sung it (in the chorus, no solos, please). Am shocked it doesn't get more air time. Mendelsohns' choral writing is some of the smoothest and most well-wrought that exists. And it sings pretty good too.
and I agree with the above person about the anthem "He Watching Over Israel". They don't get much better than that.

(We also had to conduct that chorus in our conducting class -- focus was on the articulation of triplets versus duplets -- dang professor whipped us pretty hard -- I guess he wanted it done right).

Now, what awful person has been giving you sarcastic answers?? I'll whoop his whatever.