Press & Reviews

Article published April 25, 2004 • Worcester Telegram & Gazette Corp.

Salisbury, Thayer do justice to Mendelssohn's last work
Music Review

By David Lasky
TELEGRAM & GAZETTE REVIEWER

WORCESTER- In celebration of its 30th anniversary as an ensemble, The Salisbury Singers joined forces with the Thayer Symphony Orchestra Friday night in Mechanics Hall for a highly polished, energetic and altogether elegant performance of Felix Mendelssohn's great oratorio, "Elijah." Essentially Mendelssohn's last major work, "Elijah" was composed during a seven-month period from 1845 to 1846.

Set to a text by the poet Julius Schubring, this highly dramatic and emotional work centers around the life and mission of the Old Testament prophet Elijah and is based primarily on texts from the books of 1 Kings and Psalms.

As musical and spiritual descendants of the oratorios of Handel, Mendelssohn's two works in this genre (the other being "St. Paul," dating from 1836) follow the typical oratorio format of the chorus representing the people and a cast of soloists portraying, in narrative form, one or more people in the story.

Under the direction of Salisbury Singers conductor Michelle Graveline, and before an appreciative audience of about 400, the 110-member chorus brought radiantly warm yet beautifully clear tonal qualities to bear on the many and varied choruses of this nearly two-hour work. The singers were as convincing in such dramatically powerful choruses as "Give An Answer," "Help, Lord!" and "The Fire Falls From Heaven" as they were in such exquisitely prayerful choruses as "He, Watching Over Israel" and "Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord."

As in most oratorios, the roles of the soloists in "Elijah" are significant musically and dramatically.
Friday's performance was highlighted by the vibrant and thoroughly compelling singing of baritone Thomas Jones in the title role. In addition, tenor Ray Bauwens, soprano Claire Stadtmueller and mezzo-soprano Dianna Daly Betit turned in fine, sometimes gripping performances in various arias and recitatives throughout the work.

Highlights here included Mr. Jones' intensely forceful introductory recitative, "As the God of Israel Liveth"; Mr. Bauwens' exquisitely lyrical aria, "If With All Your Hearts Ye Truly Seek Me"; Ms. Stadtmueller's impassioned duet (as the widow) with Mr. Jones, in which, with great pathos, she bemoans the sickness and death of her son; and Ms. Betit's expressive and richly colored recitative (as an angel), "Elijah! Get Thee Hence, Elijah."

If any criticism can be offered, it is that Ms. Stadmueller's diction was sometimes a bit unclear. Occasionally, the orchestra covered her voice to a degree not experienced by the other soloists; however, she is quite obviously a soprano of great color, drama and technique.

The Thayer Symphony Orchestra offered precise, spirited accompaniment to the chorus and soloists. Itself celebrating its 30th anniversary season, the orchestra was trimmed down just a bit to fit the musical requirements of its role. Following the work's final chorus, "And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth," the audience offered the chorus, orchestra and soloists a lengthy, enthusiastic and very well-deserved standing ovation.

Copyright 2004 Worcester Telegram & Gazette Corp.