ome. He calls for
the fire to descend upon the altar, and a chorus of passionate energy
replies, "The Fire descends from Heaven," accompanied by imitative music,
and closing with a brief movement in broad harmony. In fierce recitative
Elijah dooms the Priests of Baal to destruction, and after a short choral
reply sings the bass aria, "Is not His Word like a Fire?"--a song of
extraordinary difficulty, and requiring a voice of exceptional accuracy
and power for its proper performance. A lovely arioso for alto ("Woe unto
them") follows Elijah's vigorous declamation. These two arias are
connecting links between the fire chorus and the rain scene which ensues.
Obadiah summons Elijah to help the People, and Elijah replies in an
exquisite little andante passage, repeated by the chorus ("Open the
Heavens and send us Relief"). Then follows a dialogue-passage between the
prophet, the People, and the Youth, whom he bids "look toward the
sea,"--the most striking features of which are the responses of the Youth
and the orchestral climax as the heavens grow black and "the storm rushes
louder and louder." As the deluge of rain descends, the thankful People
break out into a passionate shout of delight ("Thanks be to God"), heard
above the tempest in the orchestra. At first it is a brief expression of
gratitude. The voices come to a pause, and Elijah repeats the tribute of
praise. Then all join in a surging tumult of harmony, as fresh and
delightful as was the pouring rain to the thirsty land, voices and
instruments vying with each other in joyful acclamations, until the end
is reached and the first part closes.

The second part opens with a brilliant soprano solo ("Hear ye, Israel"),
beginning with a note of warning, and then with trumpet obligato
developing into another melody of an impetuous and animated description
("I, I am He that comforteth"). The solo leads to the magnificent chorus,
"Be not afraid," in which, after a short pause, the entire force of
voices, orchestra, and organ join in the sublime strain, sweeping on in
broad, full harmony. There is a pause of the voices for two bars, then
they move on in a strong fugue ("Though Thousands languish and fall"). At
its close they are all merged again in the grand announcement, "Be not
afraid," delivered with impetuosity, and ending with the same subject in
powerful chorale form. The scene which follows is intensely dramatic. The
prophet rebukes Ahab and condemns the Baal worship.