description St. Paul (Paulus) Overview
"Paulus" (St. Paul) is a sacred oratorio composed by Felix Mendelssohn, premiering in Düsseldorf in 1836. The work narrates the biblical story of the conversion of Saul and the subsequent missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul, utilizing texts from the New Testament and chorales. As Mendelssohn's first major oratorio, it demonstrates the profound influence of Johann Sebastian Bach on his compositional style.
The piece is a staple of the 19th-century German Romantic choral tradition and is performed by church and symphonic choirs.
insights Ranking position
St. Paul (Paulus) ranks #27 of 155 in the Oratorio ranking, behind Jephtha, ahead of Theodora.
help St. Paul (Paulus) FAQ
Who composed the oratorio Paulus (St. Paul)?
Paulus, also known as St. Paul, was composed by Felix Mendelssohn, one of the leading German Romantic composers. Mendelssohn is also famous for his later oratorio Elijah and his Violin Concerto in E minor.
Where did Mendelssohn's Paulus premiere?
The oratorio premiered in Düsseldorf in 1836 at the Lower Rhenish Music Festival. Its success established Mendelssohn as a major figure in the revival of large-scale sacred choral music.
What biblical story does Mendelssohn's Paulus tell?
Paulus narrates the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus and the subsequent missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. The libretto draws primarily from the New Testament, including the Acts of the Apostles, and incorporates traditional German Protestant chorales.
Does Mendelssohn's Paulus include chorales like his other sacred works?
Yes, the oratorio prominently features German chorales, similar to the Passions of J.S. Bach that Mendelssohn helped revive. These chorale passages ground the work in the Lutheran musical tradition and serve as communal reflections within the narrative.
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