At a meeting of the Birmingham Festival Committee, held June 11, 1845, the following resolution was carried—doubtless nem. con.:—
"That it appears to this Committee desirable that the services of Dr. Mendelssohn be obtained to act as Conductor at the next Festival; and that he be requested to consider whether he can provide a new oratorio, or other music, for the occasion."
This resolution was communicated to the composer by Mr. Joseph Moore (1766-1851), the indefatigable manager of the Festivals from 1802 till his death. Mr. Moore not only caused the noble Town Hall to be erected (in 1834), but spared no exertions to raise the Birmingham music-meetings to their present exalted position in the realm of music. Mr. Moore, who had early made the acquaintance of the Mendelssohn family in Berlin, became very intimate with Felix, who was always Mr. Moore's guest during his visits to Birmingham.
JOSEPH MOORE
(1766-1851)
Manager of the Birmingham Musical Festivals.
Here is Mendelssohn's reply to the Committee's invitation:—
[To Joseph Moore, Esq.]
[Written in English.]
"Frankfort, July 24, 1845.