Mendelssohn: St. Paul, MWV A 14, Op. 36

Description

Felix completed his first oratorio – St. Paul, Op. 36 – in 1836, at the age of twenty-seven.

The first version, which was premiered on May 22, 1836, was then extensively revised by the composer. This second version, which at the same time served as the basis for the published version, was premiered as early as October that year in Birmingham. The acclaim with which the oratorio was received was exceptional. Within eighteen months of completing the score, Mendelssohn was able to list fifty performances of the work. Robert Schumann praised the work effusively and even Richard Wagner, who later denigrated Mendelssohn, was full of admiration. Today, St. Paul belongs to the core repertoire of sacred choral music.