Haydn’s ‘Creation’
Title page of the first published edition of Haydn’s monumental Oratorio - The Creation
This incredible oratorio was written between 1797 and 1798. Haydn depicts the creation of the world, as told in Genesis. It also draws from the Psalms and Milton’s work Paradise Lost. It is truly one of his most moving and uplifting works.
The oratorio as a musical form was first developed in seventeenth-century Italy. Handel later transformed the form into a more extended and powerful choral music-drama that became extremely popular in eighteenth and nineteenth-century England. It is thought that Haydn was inspired by hearing works such as Handel’s Israel in Egypt when he visited London.
The Creation represents a considerable step forward in the development of the form. Haydn creates an intense and moving opening with vivid and moving orchestral colour.
At the first performance, the effect was overwhelmingly powerful for audiences. One of Haydn’s friends gave the account that “. . . at that moment when light broke out for the first time, one would have said that rays darted from the composer’s burning eyes. The enchantment of the electrified Viennese was so general that the orchestra could not proceed for some minutes,”.
Listen to the Academy of Ancient Music perform Part 1 under the direction of Christopher Hogwood.
Things to listen for:
Opening - Observe how Haydn creates the sense of the beginning of existence with a combination of smooth muted strings punctuated by dramatic interjections from the timpani, along with thoughtful rhythmic woodwind solo flourishes.
Note how Haydn returns to muted strings in between the more rhythmic sections to create contrast.
Light moment - the incredible moment when Haydn depicts the creation of light at 7’13'‘.
LISTEN HERE:
Soprano: Emma Kirkby Tenor: Anthony Rolfe-Johnson Bass: Michael George New College Choir, Oxford Academy of Ancient Music Chorus and Orchestra Christopher Hogwood.
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