The premiere of Mendelssohn Bartholdy’s “Elijah” in Birmingham in 1846 met with enthusiasm but also astonishment….
We have to thank the concert series 2013 that this beautiful work could be heard again. As a slightly negative point it must be mentioned that the Friedenskirche was not big enough for such enormous masses of sound.
The soloists were well chosen: there was not a single weakness. Klaus Kuttler provided the appropriate dominance as “Elijah”. His characteristic, but also beautiful bass could excellently give the prophet’s complex character its artistic form. Also Mara Mastalir (soprano) and Monika Schwabegger (Alto) more than just mastered their parts. Sven Hjörleifsson’s beautiful tenor voice immediately conveyed the atmosphere. Not to forget the expressive angels’ voices of Martha Matscheko, Tabea Mitterbauer und Julia Schnapper.
It was impressive to see the masterful command with which Eduard Matscheko conducted the performance: full of sensitivity and great musicality. Admirably, Chor Christkönig, Linzer Singakademie and Sinfonia Christkönig were prepared to go to the limits of their capability. An unusually long, heartfelt applause (standing ovations) were the audience’s thanks for this exceptional concert experience. (Volksblatt, Georg Höfer)