description The Apostles Overview
The Apostles is an oratorio for soloists, chorus, and orchestra by Edward Elgar, cataloged as Op. 49. It premiered at the Birmingham Festival in 1903 and depicts the calling of the apostles and the early days of the Church. The work was intended as the first part of a trilogy, followed by "The Kingdom." It is notable for its use of leitmotifs representing characters and theological concepts, a technique Elgar adopted from Richard Wagner.
help The Apostles FAQ
What biblical events are depicted in Elgar's The Apostles?
The work depicts the calling of the apostles and the early days of the Christian Church. Elgar uses soloists, chorus, and orchestra to present the narrative on a large dramatic scale.
When did The Apostles premiere?
Edward Elgar's oratorio premiered at the Birmingham Festival in 1903. It is cataloged as Op. 49.
Is Elgar's The Apostles part of a larger cycle?
Yes. Elgar intended it to be the first part of a trilogy of large biblical choral works. The completed project continued with The Kingdom, which followed in 1906.
What forces are needed to perform The Apostles?
A performance requires solo singers, a large chorus, and a full orchestra. The combination gives the work the scale of a major festival oratorio rather than a small chamber piece.
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