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
Keys of the kingdom who spoke / preached to the disciples. Here we see Peter act on the commission given to him by Christ in Matthew 16; Afterwards, Peter speaks a message explaining the completion of several prophecies, concluding with; Keys of the kingdom The keys of the kingdom is a Christian concept of eternal church authority. It was established in the 1st century AD, initially through St. Peter, then through the rest of the 12 Apostles. The latter, continuing with the early Church Fathers, would eventually comprise the early church and its doctrine. It is this authority, having been given the "keys", that