Page:The history of Mendelssohn's oratorio 'Elijah'.djvu/131

 THE REVISED ORATORIO.

��first in view. And on that account I could not make the whole of this passage more prominent, although I always wish to do as you advise.

" Of course 'commandments ' must be left in the soprano song, instead of ' commands,' if you do not approve of the latter. Do )'ou like my way of getting rid of ' to slay, to slay my son? '*

" And many, many thanks for the trouble you have taken with the * Sons of Art.' I am afraid the thing is only fit for a German musical men-festival, and that it is impos'feible to give it any effect in another language and at other occasions ; but whatever can be done with it has indeed been done by you. And so I end as I began with thanks and thanks.


 * Very truly yours,

" Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy."

��"Leipzig, January 20, 1847.

'* My dear Mr. Bartholomew, — A happy new year to you (although it is rather old already), and many, many thanks for your kind and precious letter ! Indeed, nobody could have written it but you, and nobody could have taken so much trouble with my choruses to the 'Athalie' but you, and to nobody could I feel so sincerely and heartily indebted but to you. Have many, many thanks, my dear Sir, and be sure that you confer all these obligations to one who

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 * Mr. Bartholomew writes " yes " on the original letter.

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