Haydn’s Creation

The evening

For Haydn, The Creation was a summation of his religious convictions as well as his life’s work as a composer. Every one of his scores ended with the inscription “Laus Deo” (God be Praised) or “Soli Deo Gloria” (For the Glory of God alone), and never was it more fitting than at the end of this illuminating oratorio. It is a masterpiece by any standards. Embracing a great diversity of episodes, all of which Haydn sets with confidence and imagination, his love of nature can be found everywhere. Most importantly, his deep religious faith illuminates every bar. It still speaks eloquently to believer and non-believer alike with its lively arias and rousing choruses, and this, in the end, was what Haydn hoped his music would do. The opening is one of Haydn’s most gripping moments of genius – a depiction of the chaos that reigned before the birth of the world. Fragmented themes, shocking dissonances and unexpected instrumental flourishes conjure a vision of a tumultuous universe before Haydn wields a stunning and dramatic stroke: at the moment of the creation of light, the orchestra and chorus unleash their full power that underlines the cosmic power of the moment.