Haydn - Creation

Haydn - The Creation

“One of the finest oratorios written, in my view” says Musical Director David Gibson, “and one that the Southampton Philharmonic Choir has not performed for many years.”

Haydn’s Creation, an oratorio written between 1796 and 1798, celebrates the creation of the world as described in the Book of Genesis, the Book of Psalms and Milton’s Paradise Lost.

The orchestral introduction to Part I is a representation of chaos at the beginning of time. This flows into the genesis of primal light, the Earth, heavenly bodies, water and plant life. Part II depicts the creation of sea creatures, animals and finally man, and in Part III the Garden of Eden blossoms and Adam and Eve’s first hours unfold. The story is narrated by three Archangels: Gabriel (Lucy Hall, soprano), Uriel (Nathan Vale, tenor), and Raphael (Nick Warden, bass), with the chorus acting as angels glorifying their maker. Warden and Hall also voice Adam and Eve in Part III.

The choir is joined by its partner orchestra the New London Sinfonia and singers from the Southampton University Philharmonic Choir, and is conducted by David Gibson.

The Creation is a great, upbeat summer piece for singers, orchestra and audience alike.