"Felix Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah caused a sensation at its world première performance, sung in English, in Birmingham UK in August 1846. The huge forces marshalled for the occasion delighted the audience, who demanded no fewer than eight encores and loudly acclaimed the composer despite an injunction to observe the solemnity of the occasion by refraining from applause. Elijah has been an essential repertoire work for choral societies ever since.

Published on the 175th anniversary of that famous premiere, Edition Peters is proud to present a new English-language Urtext edition of the vocal score containing the original libretto by William Bartholomew. Edited and with a preface by the highly respected musicologist Klaus Burmeister, the edition also includes a foreword ‘Mendelssohn and Birmingham’ by Simon Halsey, one of the world’s foremost choral directors (Chorus Director City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Choruses; Artistic Director, Orfeó Català Choirs and Artistic Adviser, Palau de la Música, Barcelona; Choral Director, London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus; Artistic Director, Berliner Philharmoniker ‘Vokalhelden’ Programme).

The edition complements and is designed to be used in conjunction with the existing German/English full score (EP11345) and orchestral parts. An associated German language vocal score is also available (EP11347).

Edition Peters Vocal Scores are the choice of the world’s leading choirs and chorus masters. They are practical, reliable, high-quality editions containing expert piano reductions.

New English language Urtext edition of the Vocal Score for Elijah.

Complements the existing German/English full score (EP11345), orchestral parts and German vocal score (EP11347).

Edited, with a preface, by highly respected musicologist Klaus BurmeisterIncludes a new foreword, ‘Mendelssohn and Birmingham’, by Simon Halsey, Chorus Director of City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and internationally-respected chorus master and conductor.

Printed on high quality paper and lay-flat binding making this a practical and durable choice for choirs."