University of North Texas has done a tremendous thing by documenting for the world to see and hear the excellence of its students and faculty by recording and posting these videos. Keep it up! (So glad the a cappella choir ladies were featured in the treble "Lift thine eyes"!)
I have lived with this work since I was 15 (and now am 77 and still singing the title role), have heard performances with Vienna Philhqrmonic under the greatest conductors, but I must say, this performance is a revelation and opened my eyes anew to a work I dearly love, sing the title-role and can never hear enough of. Ultimately, I find, unusually, the English version more satisfying than the German, the words simply fit better. Thankyou for an exempary performance and best wishes from Vienna.
Allen, I have to add my word of particular commendation on your personal excellent preparation. Conducting this oratorio, expressively and with clarity is a tour de force, and you were ready! Bravo, and God be praised!
Allen, I don't think any chorus/choir has been better prepared, been more disciplined, had as clear diction and expression as this large group that you prepared - even comparing with Robert Shaw's work or that of John Eliot Gardiner or the best of Sweden's Ericson Chamber Choir. Well done Sir! What a landmark performance this is. Soli Deo Gloria! . . . . and what an experience for all those young choral singers! ................... I should add "Bravo!" to the student orchestra too!
I came across your channel this evening - after searching for performances of Mendelsson's Elijah - a work I love and know so well! I still have the full choral score and have sung in the chorus (as a bass) two or three times - although, over 25 years ago! I've listened to many uploaded performances of Elijah in the past, but I have to say that this one has been one of the most beautiful and uplifting - thanks to the amazing (predominently) young choristers/musicians involved; obviously, full credit has to be given to Allen Hightower, Conductor, for bringing this whole performance together! Best wishes to you all, Tony (UK.)
There’s no denying that these young musicians, orchestra and chorus have great talent and this is a beautiful interpretation, however if you want to hear the finest of all listen/watch to Gatti conducting the French National Orchestra with some outstanding soloists. I’ve heard many performances of Elijah both live and recorded but that one is the gold standard, absolutely sublime.
Judging by the size of the chorus, it appears that the conductor made a gesture toward using the extra-large choruses that were sometimes used in oratorios during the 1800s. The sonority was a pleasure to hear but the conductor led what was a mostly fast performance with a few cuts. Elijah is most often sung in German but the English text was authorized by Mendelssohn and the premiere took place in Birmingham, England.
A good performance! Sluggish throughout, could benefit from swifter tempos but everything here holds together nicely via the baton of Maestro Hightower. The choir sounds excellent, the orchestra majestic and the soloists true to the story. Bravi to all!
One of the best performances I have heard in a long time. - Albeit a bit quick and driven in places. Should be "extirpate" the foe, not "devour" the foe
It is incomplete. It doesn’t have the 5. Chorus “Yet Doth The People”. It should have been between 4. Aria “If with all your hearts” and 6. Recitative “Elijah get thee hence” Such a shame… I can’t imagine they did that!
Why is it in English? I've never heard this piece before and I've just scrolled through different renditions, all in English. Did Mendelssohn write it that way?
Awesome performance!! Where are mm.24-99 of "Thanks Be To God" where the beautiful complexity / struggle happens? Is this another version, or was there a decision to edit it out in this performance?
@@seb-seb-seb-seb too many cuts, especially in the choruses. And why delete part of Jezebel's part, one of the most dramatic sections of the work? Nonsensical!
University of North Texas has done a tremendous thing by documenting for the world to see and hear the excellence of its students and faculty by recording and posting these videos. Keep it up! (So glad the a cappella choir ladies were featured in the treble "Lift thine eyes"!)
I have lived with this work since I was 15 (and now am 77 and still singing the title role), have heard performances with Vienna Philhqrmonic under the greatest conductors, but I must say, this performance is a revelation and opened my eyes anew to a work I dearly love, sing the title-role and can never hear enough of. Ultimately, I find, unusually, the English version more satisfying than the German, the words simply fit better. Thankyou for an exempary performance and best wishes from Vienna.
Allen, I have to add my word of particular commendation on your personal excellent preparation. Conducting this oratorio, expressively and with clarity is a tour de force, and you were ready! Bravo, and God be praised!
What a phenomenal performance of great composition! Kudos to the soloists, chorus, and orchestra. Finest performance I have heard!
Great work I cant stop listening to it
Wonderful! Thanks for posting this for our enjoyment.
Majestic, I feel all goose bumps listening to this powerful rendition, God bless you all gargantuanly
Allen, I don't think any chorus/choir has been better prepared, been more disciplined, had as clear diction and expression as this large group that you prepared - even comparing with Robert Shaw's work or that of John Eliot Gardiner or the best of Sweden's Ericson Chamber Choir. Well done Sir! What a landmark performance this is. Soli Deo Gloria! . . . . and what an experience for all those young choral singers! ................... I should add "Bravo!" to the student orchestra too!
I came across your channel this evening - after searching for performances of Mendelsson's Elijah - a work I love and know so well! I still have the full choral score and have sung in the chorus (as a bass) two or three times - although, over 25 years ago! I've listened to many uploaded performances of Elijah in the past, but I have to say that this one has been one of the most beautiful and uplifting - thanks to the amazing (predominently) young choristers/musicians involved; obviously, full credit has to be given to Allen Hightower, Conductor, for bringing this whole performance together! Best wishes to you all, Tony (UK.)
There’s no denying that these young musicians, orchestra and chorus have great talent and this is a beautiful interpretation, however if you want to hear the finest of all listen/watch to Gatti conducting the French National Orchestra with some outstanding soloists. I’ve heard many performances of Elijah both live and recorded but that one is the gold standard, absolutely sublime.
Great clarity magnificent
performance 🎉 ❤
Oh the Tenors at 1:44:07, just soar into the heavens. One of the finest endings of a classical piece of music. Just sublime...
Absolutely beautiful!
Judging by the size of the chorus, it appears that the conductor made a gesture toward using the extra-large choruses that were sometimes used in oratorios during the 1800s. The sonority was a pleasure to hear but the conductor led what was a mostly fast performance with a few cuts. Elijah is most often sung in German but the English text was authorized by Mendelssohn and the premiere took place in Birmingham, England.
I was here for the last piece. How excellent!
Majestic and Ethereal❤
Magnificent!
Mañana seguimos.
Gracias.
A good performance! Sluggish throughout, could benefit from swifter tempos but everything here holds together nicely via the baton of Maestro Hightower. The choir sounds excellent, the orchestra majestic and the soloists true to the story. Bravi to all!
SUBLIME!!!!!!!!!!
🌾🎵🌾🎵🌾
One of the best performances I have heard in a long time. - Albeit a bit quick and driven in places.
Should be "extirpate" the foe, not "devour" the foe
It is incomplete. It doesn’t have the 5. Chorus “Yet Doth The People”. It should have been between 4. Aria “If with all your hearts” and 6. Recitative “Elijah get thee hence”
Such a shame… I can’t imagine they did that!
Why is it in English? I've never heard this piece before and I've just scrolled through different renditions, all in English. Did Mendelssohn write it that way?
Awesome performance!! Where are mm.24-99 of "Thanks Be To God" where the beautiful complexity / struggle happens? Is this another version, or was there a decision to edit it out in this performance?
Oh no! I've just realized that it's gone. Shame, I really liked that chorus.
@@seb-seb-seb-seb too many cuts, especially in the choruses. And why delete part of Jezebel's part, one of the most dramatic sections of the work? Nonsensical!
Tempi are on the slow side throughout. Why the Omissions??? either do the entire thing or not at all!!!
I like almost everything about this performance, except the out of control lack of technique demonstrated by the soprano in the red dress.