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Denn er hat seinen Engeln befohlen — Elias (Mendelssohn)

Felix Mendelssohn

Score

Read it and listen to it right here. It can't be downloaded — to sing it with your choir, use it in Cantico.

History

Denn er hat seinen Engeln befohlen — Elias (Mendelssohn)

It is a passage from the oratorio “Elijah” (op. 70) by Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847), premiered in Birmingham in 1846. The text is Psalm 91:11: “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways”.

About the piece

A page of protection and trust, in German and in eight voices (double quartet). The edition, 73 measures long, carries all eight parts: two sopranos, two altos, two tenors and two basses.

How to prepare it

This is an advanced work. With two small choirs in dialogue, the main task is balance and rhythmic precision between them. The ranges are high in both sopranos (G4–G5 (an octave) and D4–E5 (a major ninth)) and deep in the basses (down to F♯2). Rehearse each quartet separately until it is autonomous, then join the two choirs; work the German spoken clearly.

When to use it

Suitable for concerts and for funerals or celebrations of trust in God's protection, and as a communion chant on special occasions.