Page:The history of Mendelssohn's oratorio 'Elijah'.djvu/11

 PREFACE.

��It is fifty years since Mendelssohn's " Elijah " was first performed. The place was Birmingham : the date August 26, 1846. The Jubilee of this event provides a fitting opportunity for presenting a history of Mendelssohn's familiar oratorio.

In compiling the following pages, I have been favoured in having had access to much original matter on the subject of " Elijah." Especially is this the case in regard to the numerous letters from Mendelssohn and his correspondents which are here made public for the first time. These letters are not only unique in the information they convey, but they form the most interesting links in the chain of this " History." For the rest, I have carefully kept in view the duty of the historian, which is — I take it — that he should tell his story in as accurate, straight- forward, and pleasant a manner as he can.

I have to acknowledge the kind help of those who have so greatly facilitated my work. In addition to those specially mentioned in the course of the book, I tender my best thanks to Mrs. Carson (grand- daughter of the late Mr. Edward Buxton, the former proprietor of the business of Messrs. Ewer & Co.) ; Dr. Carl and Dr. Felix Klingemann ; Felix Moscheles, Esq. ; William Moore, Esq. ; and

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