What Is an Oratorio and why do one – why do “Elijah”?

By Marshall Sanders, Director of Music

 

For many years, I have produced major choral works, here at St. Andrew’s and at churches I have served previously.  At St. Andrew’s we have done: John Rutter’s “GLORIA,” the Rutter “REQUIEM,” Vivaldi’s “GLORIA,” and Faure’s “REQUIEM.”  None of these are oratorios.  In fact, in the pure sense of the word, these are all sung masses, or pieces of masses.  An oratorio is another animal altogether.  The most famous is likely Handel’s “MESSIAH,” from which we get the Hallelujah Chorus (which we always do on Easter morning) and other well-known choruses like “For unto Us a Child Is Born” (common at Christmas) and “Glory to God.”  Oratorios often have famous solo literature lifted from them, like “If with All Your Hearts,” from “Elijah.” 

So in trying to define an oratorio, I’d call it an opera based on a sacred theme, either from the Old or New Testament.  These sometimes huge works are accompanied by an orchestra of symphonic strength and size, and always enlist both soloists and a chorus (often a large chorus).  When Mendelssohn performed “his” Elijah the first time, his choir had over 250 singers and an orchestra of 120 (almost unheard of today). 

There are lots of great reasons to spend hundreds, maybe thousands of “man hours” preparing to do a work like “Elijah.”  And if you understand some of these reasons, you might just find yourself compelled to attend one of the two performances, and maybe to even invite friends who might otherwise never enter a church (oops, I just divulged one of the reasons). 

First, putting a major musical event together of this size does amazing things for the church’s music program.  Everyone is compelled to work beyond themselves.  The music is certainly more challenging than the average Sunday morning church anthem.  And to perform it with a big orchestra is in itself a great experience for every singer.  Since St. Andrew’s has its own orchestra, this type performance will also elevate their skill level, and in a major way for the younger players. 

Second, an event like this allows a congregation to unify in learning about a great Biblical story.  Most have “heard of” the prophet “Elijah,” but an amazingly few can tell you the story.  Some might remember the fire consuming the altar after the priests of Baal failed with their sacrifice.  Others might remember that God “took” Elijah up into heaven on a fiery chariot.  Others might remember a book in the Bible named after Elijah, and that would be a mistake.  His story is found in the 16^th and 17^th chapters of I Kings (you can read the entire Biblical account right here on this website).  So, like in our case here at St. Andrew’s, we as a church will learn about this great prophet at part of Pastor Gus’ sermons and some other special events in April.  And then, when the month closes with the oratorio performances, everyone will find the story relevant and even more compelling. 

Third, a grant event of any kind, when held at a church, provides an opportunity for new folks to come into our facility and enjoy being with the people of God.  Evangelism is tough these days, looking for comfortable ways to invite your friends and unchurched family members to church.  When we perform “ELIJAH” in April, our hope is that you will want to bring people with you, especially people who would come to this type event, but might not be so receptive to coming to a church service – yet.  If they enjoy themselves, and the music, and the people, then the chance of them coming on a Sunday is greatly increased. 

So there you have it.  Three great reasons for “Elijah” to come to St. Andrew’s.  And in the case of our performance, there are a few additional benefits.  We are combining forces with the Catalinas Community Chorus, under the very capable leadership of my friend Cyndee Chaffee.  Cyndee has been active in the music and church community of Tucson for many years and her dream for a community chorus has blossomed into a fine 80+ voice chorus.  By combining their chorus with our Chancel Choir, we will have about 120 singers for Elijah.  That large chorus will be inspiring for the audience and allow the orchestra to also play in the style that Mendelssohn intended. 

And we will also have three guests as soloists for the production.  First, we will be honored to welcome George Gibson, the nationally known baritone who has sung the role of Elijah many times, to our church.  (Read more about George at this website.)  Getting to know George has been wonderful for me and for those in the choir who have just now begun to hear him sing.  His dramatic and endearing understanding of this role will bring every audience member to the edge of their seat, anxious to hear his next note.  Singing the alto solos is Cyndee Chaffee, director of the Catalinas Community Chorus (read more about her at this website).  Singing the tenor solos, we will welcome U of A graduate student Christopher Hutchinson (you’ll be able to read more about him soon on this website).  And our own Anita Bickford rounds out the soloists singing the soprano sections.  All four of these fine soloists will bring warmth, energy, and great musical styling to our presentation of Elijah. 

Lots of great reasons to be a part of St. Andrew’s Elijah month.  And even more reasons to plan now to come to one of the performances on Friday night or Saturday afternoon, April 25 and 26.  (See another article at this website about a “third” opportunity to see Elijah.)