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"Elijah," Op. 70, is a celebrated oratorio composed by Felix Mendelssohn. Here are some interesting facts about this notable work:

1. Composition and Premiere:

   • Felix Mendelssohn composed "Elijah" between 1845 and 1846.
   • The oratorio had its premiere on August 26, 1846, at the Birmingham Festival in England, with Mendelssohn himself conducting.

2. Biblical Inspiration:

   • "Elijah" is based on the Old Testament story of the prophet Elijah, particularly drawing from the books of Kings.
   • The libretto, written by Mendelssohn's friend Julius Schubring, presents a dramatic narrative with soloists, choir, and orchestra.

3. International Success:

   • "Elijah" was an instant success and received widespread acclaim for its dramatic power, expressive melodies, and rich orchestration.
   • It quickly became one of Mendelssohn's most popular and enduring works.

4. Influence on Future Composers:

   • The oratorio had a significant impact on later composers, including Johannes Brahms and Antonín Dvořák, who were inspired by Mendelssohn's innovative use of the orchestra and choir.

5. Structure:

   • "Elijah" is divided into two parts, with each part further divided into various scenes and numbers.
   • The oratorio includes a mix of solo arias, recitatives, choruses, and orchestral interludes.

6. Notable Movements:

   • Some of the most famous movements from "Elijah" include Elijah's fiery entrance ("As God the Lord of Israel liveth"), the chorus "Thanks be to God," and Elijah's powerful aria "It is enough."

7. Revival of Interest:

   • Despite its initial success, "Elijah" fell out of favor for some time after Mendelssohn's death. However, in the 20th century, there was a revival of interest in his works, including this oratorio.

8. Connection to Mendelssohn's Life:

   • Mendelssohn's health was in decline during the composition of "Elijah." He was also dealing with personal challenges, including the death of his sister Fanny. These struggles may have influenced the emotional depth of the oratorio.

9. Recognition and Legacy:

   • "Elijah" is considered one of the masterpieces of the oratorio genre and is often compared to Handel's oratorios in terms of its grandeur and impact.
   • The oratorio continues to be performed around the world and holds a prominent place in the choral and orchestral repertoire.

Mendelssohn's "Elijah" stands as a testament to his skillful composition and ability to convey powerful emotional narratives through music.