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"Elijah," or "Elias" in German, is an oratorio composed by Felix Mendelssohn. Here are some interesting facts about this significant work:

1. Composition and Premiere:

   • Mendelssohn composed "Elijah" between 1845 and 1846. The oratorio was premiered on August 26, 1846, at the Birmingham Festival in England. Mendelssohn conducted the premiere himself.

2. Libretto:

   • The libretto for "Elijah" was written by Mendelssohn's friend, Julius Schubring. It is based on the Old Testament story of the prophet Elijah, particularly drawing inspiration from the books of Kings.

3. Structure:

   • "Elijah" is divided into two parts, with a total of 42 numbers. It includes solo arias, recitatives, choruses, and orchestral interludes. The work is known for its dramatic and narrative quality.

4. Orchestration:

   • Mendelssohn's orchestration in "Elijah" is rich and varied, showcasing his mastery of orchestral color. The work is scored for a large orchestra, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

5. Notable Choruses:

   • "Elijah" features several powerful and well-known choral movements, such as the opening chorus "Help, Lord!" and the famous chorus "Thanks be to God."

6. Popular Solo Arias:

   • The oratorio includes several notable solo arias, including Elijah's aria "It is enough; O Lord, now take away my life," which is a deeply expressive and emotional piece.

7. International Success:

   • "Elijah" was an immediate success and received widespread acclaim. It quickly became one of Mendelssohn's most celebrated works and remains popular in the choral and oratorio repertoire.

8. Mendelssohn's Last Major Work:

   • "Elijah" is considered one of Mendelssohn's last major works, composed towards the end of his life. He died in 1847, just a year after the premiere of "Elijah."

9. Revival of Interest:

   • While "Elijah" experienced periods of neglect in the 20th century, there has been a revival of interest in the work in recent decades, with many performances and recordings attesting to its enduring appeal.

10. Influence on Later Composers:

    • Mendelssohn's "Elijah" had a significant influence on later composers, including Johannes Brahms. Brahms admired Mendelssohn's oratorios and was inspired by them in his own choral compositions.

"Elijah" remains a cornerstone of choral and oratorio repertoire, admired for its dramatic storytelling, expressive music, and powerful choral and solo writing.