Mendelssohn Elias
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
«Elias», Oratorium op. 70
Duration 2 H. 35 Min. incl. intermission after 1st part after approx. 1 H. 05 Min. Introduction 45 min before the performance.
Supported by 
The Philharmonic Concerts are supported by Evelyn and Herbert Axelrod
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Mendelssohn Elias
Abstract
Mendelssohn Elias
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy's Elias is one of the central works in the oratorio repertoire of the 19th century. It follows the great tradition of the Protestant church music, to which, besides with his own works, the composer made a big contribution with the revival of Bach's St. Matthew Passion in 1829. Mendelssohn was from a traditional Jewish family, which converted to Protestantism. The oratorio, premiered in 1846, also moves around in this tension field of double religious identity. For over ten years, Mendelssohn was concerned with material of the Old Testament about the prophet Elias, a figure who fascinated him as a pioneer of Christ. Supported and within the context of ZH-REFORMATION.CH Mendelssohn's Elias is directed by the General Muiscal Director of the Zurich Opera House, Fabio Luisi. The Philharmonia Zurich and the choir of the Opera Zurich will be playing and singing and the internationally renowned bass Christof Fischesser can be experienced in the main part of Elias.