Page:The history of Mendelssohn's oratorio 'Elijah'.djvu/21

 THE LIBRETTO.

��a most beautiful subject. And if you think of using Bible words, read up Isaiah Ix. and Ixiii., to the end of the Prophet, and also chapter xl., and Lamenta- tions, and all the Psalms. When you have done this you will easily find the right language. Just think what sort of an oratorio I ought to be able to write at this moment, and such an one send me. It ought to be your wedding present to me ; it would be the gift I would value most. Do not refuse my request. Of course, if you are too busy, do not be vexed with me for asking this of you ; but do write to me, anyhow, very soon."

Mendelssohn was married at Frankfort, on March 28, 1837. Klingemann evidently did not send a wedding present in the form of an oratorio " text " in time for the ceremony, since Mendelssohn, while on his honeymoon, wrote the following letter to his London friend : —

[Mendelssohn to Klingemann.]

Freiburg, April 30, 1837.

"... Will you soon be able to fulfil your promise about ' Elijah '? Forgive my pressing you thus for an answer. It is not my fault ; it is the fault of circumstances. It seems to me more and more a mistake to imagine that anyone can make a lasting impression by one single work — it ought to be done steadily, uninterruptedly, by progressive writings. Out of these the best will eventually stand forth, if all are conceived in an earnest spirit. Therefore, I want to write some more sacred music

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