The Kingdom (Elgar) There is a double chorus with semichorus, and four soloists representing: The Blessed Virgin (soprano), Mary Magdalene (contralto), St John (tenor), and St Peter (bass). The work is in five parts, each played without a break, preceded by a prelude. Words were selected by Elgar from the Acts of the Apostles, supplemented by material mainly from the Gospels. As in Elgar's other mature oratorios, the Prelude introduces the main musical themes and sets the mood. The music is lyrical and mystical, with less narrative drive than in "The Apostles". Its most memorable moments are the ecstatic depiction of Pentecost, Mary's
Communion of the Apostles (Signorelli) he is delivering them. Among the apostles, Judas Iscariot is portrayed while turning towards the seer: at the same time, he is hiding into his purse the coin of his betrayal. The altarpiece was most likely accompanied by a predella. Three of its panels have been identified with the "Meeting of the Pilgrims on the Road to Emmaus" and "Supper in Emmaus" in the Julius Weitznel collection, and with the "St. Catherine of Alexandria" now at the Museo Horne in Florence. Communion of the Apostles (Signorelli) The Communion of the Apostles is a painting by Italian Renaissance artist Luca Signorelli,