Page:The history of Mendelssohn's oratorio 'Elijah'.djvu/45

 BIRMINGHAM.

��cordial, and highly gratifying to him. It was there- fore quite natural that the Festival Committee should look to Mendelssohn for the composition of z work which, in all probability, would give distinction to their Festival ; and, that they should, if possible, secure, as an extra attraction, the presence of the composer as Conductor. The previous chapter shows that " Elijah " had occupied Mendelssohn's mind for many years previous to 1846 ; therefore, it can scarcely be said that he composed the oratorio " expressly for Birmingham," as is commonly stated and generally supposed. But, considering the com- poser's early death (in 1847), it may reasonably be assumed that had it not been for the Birmingham Festival of 1846, Mendelssohn's oratorio of "Elijah" would never have been given to the world.

At a meeting of the Birmingham Festival Com- mittee, held June 11, 1845, the following resolution was carried — doubtless ncm. con. : —

" That it appears to this Committee desirable that the services of Dr. Mendelssohn be obtained to act as Conductor at the next Festival ; and that he be requested to consider whether he can provide a new oratorio, or other music, for the occasion."

This resolution was communicated to the composer by Mr. Joseph Moore (1766 — iS5i),the indefatigable manager of the Festivals from 1802 till his death. Mr. Moore not only caused the noble Town Hall to be erected (in 1834), but spared no exertions to raise the Birmingham music-meetings to their present exalted position in the realm of music. Mr. ]\Ioore, who had early made the acquaintance of the Mendelssohn ( 29 )

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