Elijah (oratorio) never went out of fashion in England. Mendelssohn prepared a scholarly edition of some of Handel's oratorios for publication in London. "Elijah" is modelled on the oratorios of these two Baroque masters; however, in its lyricism and use of orchestral and choral colour the style clearly reflects Mendelssohn's own genius as an early Romantic composer. The work is scored for four vocal soloists (bass-baritone, tenor, alto, soprano), full symphony orchestra including trombones, ophicleide, organ, and a large chorus singing usually in four, but occasionally eight parts. The title role is for bass-baritone and was sung at the premiere by the
Leo Edwards (composer) Leo Edwards (composer) Leo Edwards (21 February 1886 – 12 July 1978) was a Broadway composer. He was the brother of Gus Edwards, who was also a Broadway composer. Edwards was born Leo Simon in the German Empire. He appeared in vaudeville and worked for music publishing firms as a staff writer. His Broadway credits include "The Wizard of Oz", "The Blue Paradise", and the Ziegfeld Follies of 1912, 1913, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1921 and 1923. Edwards co-wrote the popular song "My Fantasy" with Paul Whiteman and Jack Meskill, which is an adaptation of the Polovtsian Dances theme from the