Immerse yourself in the timeless masterpiece of Felix Mendelssohn with the album "Mendelssohn: Elijah, Op. 70." This extraordinary oratorio, composed in the 19th century, is a cornerstone of classical music, showcasing Mendelssohn's unparalleled ability to blend profound religious themes with stunning musical composition. Recorded in 1989 under the expert direction of conductor Richard Hickox, this album captures the essence of Mendelssohn's vision with a stellar performance by the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, along with renowned soloists Rosalind Plowright, Linda Finnie, Arthur Davies, and Willard White.
Spanning over two hours, this two-part oratorio is a journey through the biblical story of the prophet Elijah, filled with dramatic recitatives, soaring arias, and powerful chorales. Each track is a testament to Mendelssohn's genius, from the stirring overture that opens the work to the triumphant choruses that punctuate the narrative. The album's rich choral and orchestral textures, combined with the expressive solo performances, create an immersive listening experience that highlights the depth and breadth of Mendelssohn's musical prowess.
Recorded by the esteemed Chandos label, this album is a must-listen for both classical enthusiasts and those new to the genre. The meticulous attention to detail in the performance and recording ensures that every note resonates with clarity and emotion. Whether you're drawn to the grandeur of the choruses or the intimacy of the solo arias, "Mendelssohn: Elijah, Op. 70" offers a profound and enriching musical experience that stands the test of time.
2014 Chandos Records2014 Chandos Records
Tracks
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: IntroductionFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Willard White
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: OvertureFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 1, ChorusFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 2, Duet and ChorusFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Linda Finnie, Rosalind Plowright, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 3, Recitative (Obadiah)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Arthur Davies
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 4, Air (Obadiah)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Arthur Davies
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 5, ChorusFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 6, Recitative "An Angel"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Linda Finnie
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 7, Angels (Semi-Chorus)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Linda Finnie, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 8, Air "The Widow"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Willard White
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 9, ChorusFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 10, Recitative (Elijah and Chorus)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Willard White, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 11, ChorusFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 12, Recitative (Elijah)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Willard White
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 13, Recitative (Elijah and Chorus )Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Willard White, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 14, Air (Elijah)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Willard White
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 15, Chorale "Angels"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 16, Recitative (Elijah and Chorus)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Willard White, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 17, Air (Elijah)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Willard White
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 18, AriosoFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Linda Finnie
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 19, Recitative (Obadiah and Chorus)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Arthur Davies, Willard White, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 1: No. 20, ChorusFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 21, AirFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 22, ChorusFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 23, Recitative (Elijah and Chorus)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Linda Finnie, Willard White
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 24, ChorusFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 25, Recitative (Obadiah)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Arthur Davies, Willard White
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 26, Air (Elijah)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Willard White
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 27, Recitative (Tenor)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Arthur Davies
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 28, Trio "The Angels"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Linda Finnie, Rosalind Plowright
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 29, ChorusFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 30, Recitative "The Angel"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Linda Finnie, Willard White
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 31, Air "The Angel"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Linda Finnie
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 32, ChorusFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 33, Recitative (Elijah)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Willard White
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 34, ChorusFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 35, Recitative (Semi-chorus and Chorus)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Linda Finnie, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 36, Chorus and Recitative (Elijah)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Willard White, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 37, Arioso (Elijah)Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Willard White
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 38, ChorusFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 39, AirFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Arthur Davies
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 40, RecitativeFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 41, ChorusFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Roderick elms, London Symphony Chorus
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 41, QuartetFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Linda Finnie, Arthur Davies, Willard White, Roderick elms
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25, Part 2: No. 42, ChorusFelix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus