Dramatic, deeply moving and of immense musical power, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy’s »Elijah« is one of the most popular and impressive oratorios in music history. The work stands out for its variety of memorable choruses, from the jubilant »Thanks be to God« to the intimate trio of angels »For He shall give His angels charge over thee«, as well as its deeply affecting solo passages.
The oratorio paints a complex portrait of Elijah, the Old Testament prophet – an uncompromising opponent of idolatry and tyranny, torn between prophetic zeal, desperate loneliness and spiritual revelation. The dramatic story, with its drought, miraculous fire and the still, small voice of God, is ideally suited to the Elbphilharmonie Grand Hall. In its unique acoustics, the powerful outbursts of the people’s chorus merge with delicate, transparent passages to create a compelling musical experience.
Under the experienced musical direction of Matthias Janz, distinguished soloists Hanna Zumsande, Marie Henriette Reinhold, Ilker Arcayürek and Yorck Felix Speer perform this well-known oratorio alongside the Symphonischer Chor Hamburg, Collegium Vocale and the Danish Philharmonic Orchestra.
PERFORMERS
Symphonischer Chor Hamburg choir
Collegium Vocale Flensburg choir
Danish Philharmonic Orchestra orchestra
Hanna Zumsande soprano
Marie Henriette Reinhold alto
Ilker Arcayürek tenor
Yorck Felix Speer bass
JohannesFiedler organ
Matthias Janz director
PROGRAM
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Elijah
The concert takes place with an interval.
