The Creation (Haydn)

"The Creation" ("Die Schoepfung") is arguably the greatest work of Joseph Haydn. The oratorio, written in 1796-1798, depicts and celebrates the creation of the world as described in the book of Genesis, the Psalms and Milton's "Paradise Lost".

Inspired by the composer's visits to England in 1791-1792 and 1794-1795, where he heard Haendel's great oratorios performed, this composition was the profound act of faith of a deeply religious man.

Baron van Swieten cast the libretto of "The Creation" in German, and first performances took place in Vienna in 1798.
In 1800 the oratorio was published bilingually. Haydn himself preferred the work to be performed in English to English-speaking audiences, and our performance honours this tradition.

The work is scored for three soloists, chorus and orchestra. The three soloists represent angels who narrate and comment on the successive six days of creation:
Gabriel (soprano, Elizabeth Mandeno), Uriel (tenor, Iain Tetley) and Raphael (bass, Anthony Schneider). In Part III the bass takes the role of Adam and the soprano the role of Eve.

The chorus is the Franklin Community Choir from Pukekohe, and the orchestra Ensemble Polymnia with their conductor Sarah Bisley.