Page:The history of Mendelssohn's oratorio 'Elijah'.djvu/84

 HISTORY OF MENDELSSOHN'S " ELIJAH."

Mendelssohn's request for a good verbal accent throughout the whole translation of his oratorio is frequently expressed in these letters. No less anxious was he to retain, as nearly as possible, the familiar words of the English Bible, in preference to introducing new wordings of well-known texts — e.g.^ " Oh ! that I knew where I might find Him."* And when this was not practicable, he would often alter the notes in order to gain his desired end. It is evident from these letters that Mendelssohn knew the English Bible well.

spread popularity that it will come as a surprise to many to learn that, before the first performance, Mendelssohn decided to eliminate this favourite air from his oratorio. When Bartholomew received the manuscript of the song, he found that the melody began thus : —
 * rest in the Lord " has attained such wide-

��Sei stil - le dem Herrn, und war - te auf ihn.

He at once wrote the following letter to Men- delssohn : —

"2, Walcot Place, Hackney, '^ July 20, 1846.

" And now, my dear Sir, having done all I can with 'Elijah,' as much as I have of it — having corrected and revised the second proofs of its printed first portion, and made the alterations you suggested — nearly all — one or two remaining for your assistance

• See the letter to Bartholomew, July 3, 1S46, p. 55. ( 66 )

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