Reichwald has provided a thorough examination of the background, sources, and compositional processes surrounding an early Romantic masterpiece: one that might well serve as a model for other studies of similar larger works. For anyone interested in mendelssohn or in the major choral repertoire, the book merits a careful and thoughtful reading. The American Organist Reichwald (music history/musicology, Palm Beach Atlantic College) analyzes the oratorio music of Felix Mendelssohn. In the first chapter, he provides a background of this musical form and Mendelssohn's view of sacred music. Next, he discusses the libretti and musical sources and manuscript copies for aulus, the five phases of the compositional process, and then the compositional process evident in the individual movements. Finally, he addresses the principles governing the overall development of the work... Reference and Research Book News Reichwald (music history/musicology, Palm Beach Atlantic College) analyzes the oratorio music of Felix Mendelssohn. In the first chapter, he provides a background of this musical form and Mendelssohn's view of sacred music. Next, he discusses the libretti and musical sources and manuscript copies for , the five phases of the compositional process, and then the compositional process evident in the individual movements. Finally, he addresses the principles governing the overall development of the work. Reference and Research Book News
