A Major Late Work: "The Creation" by Haydn

Haydn's The Creation is a significant late composition, written in 1797 to a text by the Austrian diplomat Gottfried van Swieten, born in the Netherlands. The text was based on the Book of Genesis and Milton's Paradise Lost, reflecting van Swieten’s encyclopedic knowledge. The oratorio, consisting of thirty-one numbers in three parts, had its highly successful world premiere at the Burgtheater in Vienna on March 19, 1799. The Creation conveys the values of the Enlightenment, suggesting that order governs the universe and that the fate of all creatures is guided by a benevolent paternal power that cares for everything and everyone.

One of the most important musical features of the work is its illustrative spirit, which represents the characteristics of both living and non-living creatures through various musical means. This offers numerous opportunities for Haydn’s often-praised playfulness to shine. At the second concert of the Pászti subscription, The Creation will be performed by an internationally renowned soloist ensemble: French soprano Melissa Petit, Austrian tenor Bernhard Berchtold, and German baritone Thomas E. Bauer. The performance will be conducted by György Vashegyi, who was recently awarded the Kossuth Prize, and will be accompanied by the National Choir and Concerto Budapest.

Program:

Joseph HAYDN: Die Schöpfung (The Creation) – Oratorio, Hob. XXI:2

Performers:

Melissa PETIT – Soprano
Bernhard BERCHTOLD – Tenor
Thomas E. BAUER – Bass
National Choir (Choral Director: Csaba SOMOS)
Concerto Budapest
Conductor: György VASHEGYI

Organizer: National Philharmonics

Featured Image: Thomas E. Bauer, Photo: Marco Borggreve

The event is supported by the Hungarian Academy of Arts.