Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Compose Date

:

1798

Average_duration

:

105:37

Movement_count

:

45

Movement ....

Die Schöpfung, H. 21/2, also known as The Creation, is an oratorio composed by Franz Joseph Haydn between 1796 and 1798. It was inspired by the composer's visit to London, where he attended performances of Handel's oratorios, and by the libretto written by Gottfried van Swieten, based on the Book of Genesis and Milton's Paradise Lost. The oratorio is divided into three parts, each representing a day of creation. The first part depicts the creation of light, the separation of the waters, and the emergence of land and vegetation. The second part portrays the creation of the sun, moon, and stars, as well as the sea creatures and birds. The third part celebrates the creation of animals and humans, and concludes with a hymn of praise to God. The music of Die Schöpfung is characterized by its grandeur, beauty, and variety. Haydn employs a wide range of musical forms and styles, including recitative, aria, chorus, and instrumental interludes. He also uses a rich palette of orchestral colors, with prominent roles for the horns, trumpets, and timpani. The oratorio opens with a majestic orchestral introduction, followed by a chorus of angels singing "Die Himmel erzählen die Ehre Gottes" (The heavens are telling the glory of God). This is followed by a series of recitatives and arias, sung by the three soloists who represent the archangels Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael. The chorus then returns with "Und Gott sprach: Es werde Licht" (And God said: Let there be light), which is followed by a depiction of the separation of the waters and the emergence of land and vegetation. The second part begins with a depiction of the creation of the sun, moon, and stars, accompanied by a chorus of angels singing "Die Himmel erzählen die Ehre Gottes". This is followed by a series of recitatives and arias, sung by the soloists who represent the creatures of the sea and the birds of the air. The chorus then returns with "Stimmt an die Saiten" (Awake the harp), which is followed by a depiction of the creation of animals and humans. The third part begins with a depiction of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, accompanied by a chorus of angels singing "Vollendet ist das große Werk" (The great work is finished). This is followed by a series of recitatives and arias, sung by the soloists who represent Adam, Eve, and the angel who announces the birth of Seth. The oratorio concludes with a hymn of praise to God, sung by the chorus and soloists. Die Schöpfung premiered in Vienna on April 29, 1798, and was an immediate success. It has since become one of the most beloved and frequently performed works in the choral repertoire, admired for its beauty, grandeur, and spiritual depth.

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