The prophet Elijah had been a subject Mendelssohn considered for several years, planning it with his friend Karl Klingemann in the late 1830s.
Composition History
The text for Elias (Elijah) was compiled from the first Book of Kings by Julius Schubring, a long-time friend and pastor.
Composer Biography
Felix Mendelssohn, born in 1809, was the eldest son of banker Abraham Mendelssohn and grandson of the Jewish thinker Moses Mendelssohn.
Composer Biography
Mendelssohn's early musical talents were encouraged by his family, despite his father's initial doubts about him pursuing a career as a musician.
Notable Performances
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert attended one of the early London performances of Elias (Elijah) in 1847, with Prince Albert sending a tribute to Mendelssohn.
Composition History
Mendelssohn's oratorio, Elias (Elijah), was commissioned by the Committee of the Birmingham Festival in 1846.
Notable Performances
The first performance of Elias (Elijah) took place in Birmingham on August 26, 1846, where eight numbers were encored.
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