Introducing our newest release, Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah! Discover the monumental oratorio by streaming on Apple Music Classical today, and pre-order your copy before the release on Friday 4 October.
LSO Live marks the beginning of its 25th anniversary year with the release of Mendelssohn’s Elijah, recorded live in concert with Sir Antonio Pappano earlier this year.
From its first performance, Elijah received roof-raising applause. It’s one of the three greatest oratorios in musical history, bringing the sacred to life in glorious song. The life of the Biblical prophet is told in a series of dramatic episodes. We follow the fortunes of the steadfast, open-hearted Elijah, and encounter ministering angels and the vengeful queen Jezebel. The London Symphony Chorus and four electrifying soloists give voice to the oratorio in English, as in its first premiere. Gerald Finley breathes life into the role of Elijah, and the Orchestra ramps up the drama without losing sight of the stillness at the heart of the storm.
The London Symphony Chorus and four electrifying soloists give voice to the oratorio in English, as in its first premiere. Gerald Finley breathes life into the role of Elijah, and the Orchestra ramps up the drama without losing sight of the stillness at the heart of the storm.
Watch
Reviews from the Concert
‘If the music was covered in dust, Pappano blew that away from the stirring, innovative opening of this mighty tale of the Biblical prophet.’ ★★★★★ Bachtrack
‘From the vast forces of the LSO Chorus through the fine young semichorus of Guildhall students to the superlative vocal quartet, everyone involved trailed clouds of glory.’ ★★★★★ ArtsDesk
‘Pappano’s spirited handling of the LSO equally made us savour the quiet beauties of woodwind arabesques circling tender aria’ ★★★★ The Times
‘Think of it as Mendelssohn in HD.’ ★★★★ The Guardian
Photos from the Performance
