16 December 2025

We were at the Dundee Choral’s production of Mendelssohn’s magnificent oratorio, ‘Elijah’. Whilst it didn’t seem a seasonal production and the audience wasn’t large in numbers, it was inspiring  to hear one of the repertoire’s greatest oratorios.

The choir was in good voice – and the soloists too. Dingel Yandell, who sings bass, was Elijah and he sang his part with strength and conviction. There wasn’t a single blemish in his range – consistently good from top to bottom.

Of the others, the mezzo-soprano, Beth Taylor, shone not least because she had been invited to stand in for the publicised mezzo who was indisposed. Taylor reminded me of Ferrier and Baker in the timbre of her voice which had enormous colour – the treacherous Jezebel, the pure strains of the angel and the flow of the arias.

Mendelssohn’s composition is magnificient and certain scenes in the oratorio are memorable not least the music which accompanies the battle of the gods, the earthquake, wind and fire and, of course, the fiery chariot ride which translates Elijah into heaven.

The epic tale is true to life and is a template for ministry. The challenge of the other gods tests Elijah’s faith and leadership. He is vindicated but it takes its toll not least because of the actions of the treacherous Jezebel.  He succumbs to depression. ‘It is enough.’ he sings. ‘I have done no better than my fathers.’

The highs and the lows of ministry are evident in the life of a parish minister. God is not always accessible in the drama of   wind, earthquake and fire. We listen for the still small voice. It requires Advent waiting. And, of course, discerning when to hand over the mantle to an erstwhile Elisha is supremely important for the harvest!