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

Letter Aria from the opera Eugene OneginPeter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Kristine Opolais, Tatyana’s Letter Scene, Part 2

Among the ten operas composed by the great Russian composer Tchaikovsky, the lyrical Eugene Onegin (premiered March 1879) is both a masterpiece and the most popular.

One of its most famous arias is the “Letter Scene.” The opera’s libretto is based on the novel of the same name by Alexander Pushkin.

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.

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.

From Samson HWV 57: ‘Return, O Lord of Hosts’Georg Friedrich Händel

Handel: Samson (Oratorio), HWV 57 – “Return, O Lord of Hosts” | Classical Music for Work/BGM

A masterpiece of the oratorio genre by Baroque great George Frideric Handel, Samson.

The piece sung within the drama portrays a hero at the brink of despair and the heartfelt prayers of the people who care for him.

Its chief allure lies in the way an introspective alto solo prayer gradually unfolds into a majestic chorus.

It beautifully expresses a profound supplication to God and the yearning for hope amid hardship.

Acclaimed since its 1743 premiere, the October 1952 recording by the celebrated contralto Kathleen Ferrier is renowned as a historic classic.

Highly recommended for those who love classical music with grand, solemn narratives.

Christmas OratorioHilarion (Alfeyev)

Hilarion Alfeyev. Christmas oratorio / Рождественская оратория

This is a work by Hilarion Alfeyev, a bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church who is also active as a theologian and composer.

The piece is a grand oratorio that portrays the story of Christ’s Nativity under the theme “from darkness to light,” featuring an impressive blend of the Orthodox Church’s solemn choral tradition and a Western narrative musical style.

The harmony woven by a boys’ choir symbolizing the voices of angels and a mixed choir representing people’s prayers deeply stirs the listener’s heart.

The work received its world premiere in Washington, D.C., in December 2007, and parts of it are included on the album “Stabat Mater / Songs of Ascent / Christmas Oratorio.” It is a perfect choice for those who wish to enjoy a sacred, serene atmosphere during the Christmas season, rather than something lively.