Edward Elgar - The Apostles - A Study Guide
PART I Section II
By the Wayside - Sermon on the Mount
Having heard the voice of Jesus for the first time, “sending forth” the Apostles at the end of the previous scene, we now have a brief interlude for a subdued setting of the “Sermon on the Mount,” here titled “By the Wayside.”
After the voice of Jesus proclaims each verse of the “Beatitudes” (“Blessed are…”), Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the apostles Peter and John respond as a trio with lines Elgar chose from the Psalms, the prophets, or the wisdom book of Proverbs. The chorus responds quietly in turn.
But most interesting here are the brief asides from Judas, as Elgar begins to lay the groundwork for the fuller exposition of this apostle's character in Part II. Judas comments on the dire consequences of God’s judgment on princes, the rich and the poor, even the stars in the sky.
The most important groundwork laid by this scene however, is a foreshadowing of the persecution the apostles should expect to face, culminating in the final verse of the Beatitudes: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Nevertheless, instead of setting these words to music of fear and violence, Elgar employs the “Comfort” theme of reassurance for the words “Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven”:
Comfort Motif:
Wayside Comfort Motif:
Listen to the whole scene here:
Follow the words above while listening to the video starting at 31:0
Jesus
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Mt. 5:3)
Mary (The Blessed Virgin), John and Peter
He setteth the poor on high from affliction. (Ps. 107:41)
Judas
He poureth contempt upon princes.
Jesus
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Mt. 5:4)
John
The Lord shall give them rest from their sorrow, (Is. 14:3)
Peter
and will turn their mourning into joy, (Jer. 31:13)
Mary and John
and will comfort them:
Women
Weeping may endure for a night,
Men
but joy cometh in the morning. (Ps. 30:5)
Jesus
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Mt. 5:5)
The People
The meek also shall increase their joy -
Mary, John and Peter
in the Lord;
The People
and the poor among men shall rejoice -
Mary, John and Peter
in the Holy One of Israel. (Is. 29-19)
Jesus
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Mt. 5:6)
Mary, John, Peter and Judas
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. (Ps. 85:10)
The People
Sow to yourselves in righteousness, (Hos. 10:12)
Jesus
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Mt. 5:7)
The People
reap in mercy.
Mary, John and Peter
He that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. (Prov. 14:21)
Judas
The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: the rich hath many friends. (Prov. 14:20)
The People
Draw out thy soul to the hungry,
John
and satisfy the afflicted soul;
Peter
then shall thy light rise in obscurity. (Is. 58:10)
Jesus
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. (Mt. 5:8)
Mary
Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil. (Hab. 1:13)
John
Blessed are the undefiled. (Ps. 119:1)
Peter
Who can say, I have made my heart clean? (Prov. 20:9)
Judas
The stars are not pure in His sight,
The People
How much less man. (Job 25:5,6)
Jesus
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Mt. 5:9)
The People
The work of righteousness shall be peace. (Is. 32:17)
Jesus
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Mt. 5:10,12)
Mary, Apostles and Chorus
Blessed are they which have been sorrowful for all Thy scourges, for they shall rejoice for Thee, when they have seen all Thy glory, and shall be glad for ever.
Questions to ponder:
What image of Jesus does Elgar’s music begin to develop for us in this scene?
What hints do we have of Judas' perspective from his brief introductory lines in this scene?
What might Elgar have in mind by introducing the “Comfort” theme following Jesus’ warning of persecution?