Joseph Haydn completed his oratorio “The Creation” in 1798, having taken much time and care over it. The first performance was by invitation only, but even so a large crowd gathered at the venue in Vienna and 30 police were needed to keep order!
“The Creation” was performed nearly 40 more times in Vienna in Haydn’s lifetime. Having spent time in England, Haydn intended that it be sung either in English or in German.
The text comes from the Old Testament book of Genesis (which describes the six “days” of creation) and the Psalms. The libretto goes well beyond the biblical sources, however, and draws on Milton’s ”Paradise Lost”. For this reason, not only Adam and Eve (who feature in Genesis) but three angels, Gabriel, Uriel and Raphael (from Milton’s work) also appear. Between them, three soloists cover these five individuals.
The superb quality of the writing for soloists and choir, as well as for the orchestra, has ensured a permanent place for this work in concert halls across the world. Some commentators have called it Haydn’s “master-work”.
Musical director of The Gisborne Singers, Stephen Brockman, has assembled a professional orchestra and professional soloists for two performances in April 2011. Soprano Catherine Pendelich, tenor Peter Mander and bass-baritone Manfred Pohlenz have sung with The Gisborne Singers on several occasions, presenting Mozart’s “Requiem”, Handel’s “Messiah” and other works. Their return in 2011 is eagerly awaited. The orchestra consists mainly of young professional players from Melbourne. The choir promises to be one of the largest for any performance by The Gisborne Singers, numbering about 40.
The first performance will be at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Yaldwyn St., Kyneton on Sunday 10th April at 3 p.m., and the second in St Ambrose Church Hall, Templeton St., Woodend on Sunday 17th April, also at 3 p.m. Tickets can be obtained by phoning Elizabeth on 03-5426-2467. Full price is $35 and concession $30. Seats will also be available on the day for each performance if not sold out beforehand. We urge people to book early
“The Creation” was performed nearly 40 more times in Vienna in Haydn’s lifetime. Having spent time in England, Haydn intended that it be sung either in English or in German.
The text comes from the Old Testament book of Genesis (which describes the six “days” of creation) and the Psalms. The libretto goes well beyond the biblical sources, however, and draws on Milton’s ”Paradise Lost”. For this reason, not only Adam and Eve (who feature in Genesis) but three angels, Gabriel, Uriel and Raphael (from Milton’s work) also appear. Between them, three soloists cover these five individuals.
The superb quality of the writing for soloists and choir, as well as for the orchestra, has ensured a permanent place for this work in concert halls across the world. Some commentators have called it Haydn’s “master-work”.
Musical director of The Gisborne Singers, Stephen Brockman, has assembled a professional orchestra and professional soloists for two performances in April 2011. Soprano Catherine Pendelich, tenor Peter Mander and bass-baritone Manfred Pohlenz have sung with The Gisborne Singers on several occasions, presenting Mozart’s “Requiem”, Handel’s “Messiah” and other works. Their return in 2011 is eagerly awaited. The orchestra consists mainly of young professional players from Melbourne. The choir promises to be one of the largest for any performance by The Gisborne Singers, numbering about 40.
The first performance will be at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Yaldwyn St., Kyneton on Sunday 10th April at 3 p.m., and the second in St Ambrose Church Hall, Templeton St., Woodend on Sunday 17th April, also at 3 p.m. Tickets can be obtained by phoning Elizabeth on 03-5426-2467. Full price is $35 and concession $30. Seats will also be available on the day for each performance if not sold out beforehand. We urge people to book early
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