Tenor Omen Safavi’s Brahms’ Requiem listening guide was so well-received we asked him to create notes for Elijah. Enjoy his Kids’ Guide to Elijah (it’s great for adults, too!)
Hi kids!
Performing Elijah with Conspirare is really special to me, but having you in the audience makes it truly unforgettable. I think you’re really gonna like this concert because it’s got some fun and exciting music!
I wanted to write you a little note so you know what to expect. Elijah is basically a 19th-century action movie told entirely through orchestral music and powerful singing. It tells the story of an ancient prophet named Elijah who gets into a dramatic “battle of the gods” against King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. There’s weather magic, epic battles, earthquakes, fire from heaven, and even a grand getaway!
Right at the beginning Elijah (played by Marques Jerrell Ruff) steps up and curses the land with a huge drought without any quiet music to prepare you. It sounds super dramatic and thirsty right away. That reminds me, why did the cloud stay home from school? Because it was feeling a little under the weather! Before things get too chaotic, keep an ear out for a beautiful, peaceful quartet called “Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord.” Right in the middle of all the drama it’s a gentle reminder that no matter how scary or overwhelming things get, you’re never carrying the heavy stuff alone.
Elijah then challenges priests to see whose god can send fire down to light an altar. The choir will sing faster and faster as the priests get panicked until Elijah prays, and BOOM! Fire crashes down from heaven. You know why prophets are so good at starting fires? Because they really know how to bring the spark!
Right after the fire comes down Elijah sings my favorite solo in the entire piece, “Is Not His Word Like a Fire?” where he compares the truth to a giant sledgehammer smashing rocks into pieces! Listen for the super fast, pounding music in the orchestra that sounds like heavy hammer strikes hitting stone. After that Elijah prays for rain, and suddenly a massive rainstorm washes over the land. You’ll hear the orchestra play rushing, swirling notes before the whole choir explodes in a giant celebration song.
In the second half Elijah is hiding on a mountain and the music gets really wild. You’ll hear huge, noisy music for a hurricane wind, crashing drums for an earthquake, and fiery music, followed by a sudden, super soft and beautiful melody.
Finally at the very end a chariot of fire with fiery horses swoops Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. Listen for the fast brass and rushing strings that sound like fiery wheels spinning. So, how did Elijah like his fiery chariot? He thought it was wheel-y hot!
While you’re listening see if you can spot me on stage, listen for the drums rumbling like thunder, and keep an eye out for instruments that are bigger than the people playing them. Most importantly, keep your ears glued to the tenor section. That’s where I am (of course). The rest of the choir is just background music for the tenors.
No matter how big the stage or how loud the orchestra gets, knowing you’re listening makes every note worth singing. If you see me looking your way during the bows, know that wink and smile is just for you. I love you both so much and I can’t wait to hear what your favorite part of the show is.
Love you,
Dad
Buy Elijah Tickets© Omen Safavi
