The History of Mendelssohn's Oratorio 'Elijah'

"The History of Mendelssohn's Oratorio 'Elijah'" by F. G. Edwards is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the background, creation, and reception of Felix Mendelssohn's famed oratorio "Elijah," which premiered in Birmingham in 1846. The book presents an array of insights into Mendelssohn's life and artistic process, exploring the influence of his correspondence with contemporaries and the significance of the oratorio within the musical canon. The opening of the book sets the stage by introducing the motivation behind its writing: the 50th anniversary of the premiere of "Elijah." Edwards emphasizes the value of the original letters and correspondences from Mendelssohn, providing a personal glimpse into the composer's thoughts and struggles while creating the oratorio. As the narrative unfolds, it touches on Mendelssohn’s early compositions, his collaborations with librettists, and the eventual success of "Elijah," which became a landmark in the oratorio format, highlighting its profound emotional depth and dramatic weight.