The magnificent world of vocal artistry: a special feature on popular vocal works from opera to art songs.

From the opera The Magic Flute: ‘The joy of love vanishes like dew’Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mojca Erdmann – Mozart: Die Zauberflöte, Act 2: Ach ich fühl’s, es ist verschwunden

The wistful and beautiful melody ‘Ach, ich fühl’s, es ist verschwunden’ (Love’s joy has vanished like dew) is a famous soprano aria from The Magic Flute—one of Mozart’s three great operas—sung as No.

17, and it was composed in 1791.

‘Your gentle voice’ from the opera ‘I Puritani’Vincenzo Salvatore Carmelo Francesco Bellini

Anna Moffo – “Qui la voce sua soave…Vien, diletto”

Vincenzo Bellini (1801–1835), a leading composer of early 19th-century Italian opera who died at the young age of just 34, wrote his final opera, I Puritani.

The aria Qui la voce sua soave (often rendered as “Your gentle voice”) from this work is renowned for its exquisite, beautiful melody and remains highly popular, having been performed by many soprano singers, including Maria Callas and Anna Netrebko.

Oratorio “The Apostles,” Op. 49Edward Elgar

Elgar The Apostles – BBC Symphony Orchestra – Gennady Rozhdestvensky (RFH, 1982)

An oratorio by the British composer Edward Elgar, also known for works like “Pomp and Circumstance.” Based on the New Testament, it’s a grand piece that runs to about two hours.

Perhaps the real highlight is the vivid psychological portrayal of its characters.

Elgar conveys the emotions of Judas, tormented by guilt, and Mary Magdalene, seeking salvation, using intricate leitmotifs that reflect Wagner’s influence.

You can also revel in the dramatic dynamics unique to orchestra and chorus—complete with the ancient shofar sounding.

Premiered in 1903, the work continues to be highly esteemed; a performance conducted by Sir Mark Elder won at the 2013 BBC Music Magazine Awards.

Highly recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in a richly narrative world of classical music.

Oratorio “The Kingdom of God,” Op. 51Edward Elgar

Elgar: The Kingdom, Op. 51 (with Score)

This is a solemn oratorio by the British composer Edward Elgar, also known for works such as “Pomp and Circumstance.” Premiered in October 1906 under the composer’s own baton, the piece draws on the Acts of the Apostles, portraying the disciples’ prayers and labors through music.

Rather than operatic dramatics, it is characterized by an overall atmosphere that is contemplative and suffused with prayer.

In the scene of the descent of the Holy Spirit, the chorus and orchestra merge to create an overwhelming sonic space, while the Virgin Mary’s aria offers a radiant, beautiful melody that resonates deeply in the heart.

Enveloped in grand harmonies, it is an ideal work for quietly turning inward and reflecting on oneself.

Saint Paul, Op. 36Felix Mendelssohn

Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Paulus op.36 aus dem Katharinensaal der HMT-Rostock

A monumental oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn in which grand chorus and orchestra unite to paint the Bible’s dramatic narratives in sound.

Mendelssohn is renowned for reviving Bach’s music, and you can feel his profound reverence for that tradition in this work as well.

The piece traces the spiritual journey of Saul, once a persecutor, as he converts and becomes the Apostle Paul.

The overwhelming power of the chorus is no mere backdrop; at times it embodies the crowd, at others the community of believers, propelling the story with compelling force.

Premiered in May 1836, the work was celebrated as one of the composer’s signature pieces during his lifetime.

It is a masterpiece—ideal for immersing yourself in majestic, narrative-rich music that offers a different flavor from opera.

the four seasonsFranz Joseph Haydn

Joseph Haydn: The Seasons – Nikolaus Harnoncourt (Salzburg 2013, HD 1080p)

This is a magnificent oratorio that crowns the later years of Franz Joseph Haydn, known as the “Father of the Symphony.” From the breath of spring to the severity of winter, it vividly depicts the cycle of the seasons and the lives of the people who dwell within them.

The way it uses music to portray natural sounds—like birdsong and the roar of storms—makes it feel as if the scenery is changing right before your eyes.

The anecdote that Haydn composed his first “chorus in praise of labor” in this work also lends it profound depth.

Since its premiere in April 1801, many outstanding performances have been preserved, so if you want to experience the beauty of the seasons through grand music, this is well worth a listen.

The Legend of Saint ElizabethFranz Liszt

Ferenc Liszt: The Legend of St. Elizabeth

Franz Liszt is famous as a wizard of the piano, but did you know he also composed a grand sacred work themed on a saint from his homeland, Hungary? This piece is an oratorio depicting the compassionate life of Princess Elisabeth, who married into the Landgraves of Thuringia.

In fact, the sweeping conception was inspired by a cycle of frescoes in Wartburg Castle.

A prayer motif symbolizing the saint recurs throughout the work, lending the narrative profound spirituality and a strong sense of unity—truly wonderful.

Premiered in August 1865 under Liszt’s own baton, the work can be heard on recordings such as the Hungaroton release conducted by János Ferencsik.

It’s highly recommended when you want to immerse yourself in a moving sound world of majestic chorus and orchestra—quite different from opera.