To follow the story of Elijah look in I Kings 17, 18 & 19 and II Kings 2. In setting the score, however Mendelssohn has had to make choices, leaving out parts of the story (as we have also done to shorten the duration of this performance), but Mendelssohn has certainly captured (and we have maintained) the essence of this dramatic story. It is important for anyone listening to Elijah-especially the first-time listener-to be aware of its greatness as a narrative and a dramatic presentation. To understand the sweep of the drama, perhaps the following story-line will help:

PART I: GOD'S CURSE, THE CONTEST, THE CURSE IS LIFTED

Elijah announces that there will be no more rain because of the faithlessness of King Ahab and his people. (Hear the curse in the falling dissonant interval-diminished 5th-at the words of Elijah, "There shall not be dew nor rain.") The first several numbers show the Israelites' sufferings in the third year of this drought.

In the second half of Part I, Elijah prophesies the end of the drought (#8) Ahab blames Elijah and his God for the catastrophe. Elijah denies this and offers a challenge: a trial of strength between the god Baal and the God of Israel (Don’t miss this dramatic moment also in #8 or you’ll not understand how the chorus gets converted into the frenzied followers of Baal demanding action from their god!) At the end of this scene (the "Baal Choruses") the followers of Baal are slain! (There’s the vengeful prophet!) After a suspenseful, beseeching chorus the rain finally returns (#16A). There is thanksgiving and celebration (#17).

PART II: REVENGE, DESPAIR, GOD'S APPEARANCE, ELIJAH'S ASCENSION

The soprano soloist exhorts Israel’s continued reform, with the assurance that God will comfort his people and that they should, "Be Not Afraid" (#18, #19). Obadiah, warns Elijah of the King’s revenge through the plotting of Queen Jezebel (#20). Elijah flees to the wilderness, despairing that his life’s work has come to nothing "It is Enough (#21).

Angelic voices direct Elijah to the sacred Mount Horeb "Lift Thine Eyes" (#23) and assure all of God’ eternal vigilance over his people "He, Watching Over Israel (#24) and his care "O Rest in the Lord" (#25). Mendelssohn, intended no humor at this point regarding the following chorus, "He That Shall Endure to the End" (#26). As Elijah arrives after the long journey to Mount Horeb, "Night Falleth Round Me" (#27), there is a sequence of magical appearances, and Elijah experiences the mystic presence of God first as mighty wind, the heaving sea and shaken earth and the fire. The Lord however, is only to be found as a "still small voice." All of this is contained in the exciting chorus "Behold, God the Lord" (#28).

Finally Elijah is restored to optimism and strength "Go Return Upon Thy Way" (#30), and ascends to heaven by whirlwind in "Then did Elijah Break Forth Like a Fire" (#32). The tenor, acting as a commentator on the situation, blesses the works of Elijah and righteous men such as he. (#33). The chorus then exhorts the listeners to this story to let their own influence and life be an inspiration to people as did Elijah (#34).

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