The typical oratorio tells a religious story with operatic power. Paulus is one of the few in this genre based on the New Testament, and in it Mendelssohn set out to show himself as the heir to Handel and Bach. Schumann, on first hearing a performance of Paulusthe most successful German oratorio since The Creation and The Seasons spoke of its "unbroken chain of beautiful things" that "burst into flame like a glorious bonfire." A German text is provided.
"A strong performance of Mendelssohn's oratorio that is competitive with the best ones."Fanfare
"From the opening prelude (based on the Lutheran chorale melody 'Wachet auf') to the resounding, triumphant final chorus, the music presents a fine balance of operatic polish and religious fervor."Washington Post
