About Mendelssohn's oratorio 'Elias' The Times said: "Never was there a more complete triumph - never a more thorough and speedy recognition of a great work of art." The libretto of 'Elijah' is most skilfully adapted from the Biblical account and its music is both religious and dramatic.
In 1844 Mendelssohn composed an eight-voice a cappella motet 'Denn er hat seinen Engelen befohlen'. Through the addition of an orchestral accompaniment and slight modifications, Mendelssohn integrated this motet into 'Elijah'. It is sung by the choir in the beginning of the oratorio.
German arranger Martin Kirchharz transcribed 'Denn er hat seinen Engelen befohlen' into an orchestral version for Symphonic Band.