The Hundred-andfifteenth Psalm "Not unto us, 0 Lord." Composed by
Felix MeWdelssohn Bartholdy.
This work, which forms the fortieth number of Novello's Musical Classics is a good specimen of Mendelssohn's sacred style; the most favour- able characteristics of which may be rather sought in his shorter pieces than his oratorios. To unite the solemnity of Handel with the charms of modern melody and the graces of modern harmony—to heighten effect by the brilliant motion, the contrasts and colouring of the orchestras of our day—to combine a new design of old materials, and accomplish the fusion of various schools—has been the object of Mendelssohn ; and the evidence of his taste and judgment is before us. The fugued introductory chorus in G minor' with its powerful introduction in unison of tenors and basses —the duet for tenor and soprano, "House of Israel," accompanied by a chorus—the verse for voices alone, "The dead praise not thee"—and the simple and pleasing last movement, all show the science of the Berlin school, mingled with somewhat of the warmer and more melodious genius of the South. In his Psalms, Motets for female voices, and short choral pieces generally, Mendelssohn has contributed admirable varieties to modern sacred music.
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