"O Rest in the Lord" - Felix Mendelssohn

For my voice lessons, I've been working on O Rest in the Lord from Felix Mendelssohn's oratorio, Elijah.  It's a high alto piece, which makes it a different kind of challenge than the soprano pieces I've worked on before.  Since last fall, we've been working more on the lower part of my range.  Of the pieces we've done in my lessons over the last two years, it's one of my favorites because... and that's where I fall into trouble writing about music.  My appreciation goes non-verbal, and I can't come up with words that fully describe what I see and feel.  I like the melody of this, and the harmony, the way the melody floats up to "desires" (hopefully), and the noodly way the melody goes in the middle section at 0:56 and at 1:15... and I don't feel like I'm getting it across.  I admire writers who wite about music more than just about any other writers because I understand the music, but I can't express it.

Oh well.

Actually, listening to this recording, I really love the way the voice and flute interact from 1:48 on.  I'd love to be able to play the flute part and sing at the same time!

Here is Christina Wilcox, mezzo soprano, singing Mendhelssohn's O Rest in the Lord:

Comments

[Summer]

I love the tone painting in that piece, especially the way that the music grows most anguished at "and fret not thyself because of evildoers," and the way that the end has a long note for "wait,"making you wait for the resolution. Then there are the high notes on "and," giving the effect of stressing the abundance in that small word: "AND he shall give thee thy hearts desire. AND he shall give thee thy hearts desire." the song plants a humble truth in one's thoughts- that resting and waiting bring some reward longed for AND in that peace, here is an extra dose of grace.

Next time it comes round the lectionary, you should sing it and have the music team play with you, or play and have someone sing along (you pick). Lovely.

[M Light]

Thank you - that's the sort of thing I can't write, but love to read.