The Creation was composed at the end of the eighteenth century. Using text from Milton’s epic poem ‘Paradise Lost’ Haydn was inspired to write a musical composition which would reflect the wonder of God’s creations on this earth, beginning with the dramatic passage sung by the chorus: “And God said, Let there be light, and there was light.” This phrase heralds our journey into the awakening and splendour of the earth and the creatures, the animals God created, culminating in Adam and Eve. With a full complement of brass, chorus and three soloists we are at times immersed in dramatic musical crescendos mirroring the awakening of this miraculous universe.
The baritone singer Matthew Brook (singing the parts of Raphael and Adam) began the recitative: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” His rich tones lulled us into being bewitched by the journey. Haydn also incorporates humour in the composition and Matthew Brook proved to be a good actor. Uriel, who serves as the eyes of God, was performed by the tenor Andrew Staples and he sang the recitative: “In splendour bright is rising now the sun and darts his rays:” quite soulfully.
The soprano Sophie Bevan sang the parts of Gabriel and Eve and when at times her voice soared to the top notes it sounded magnificent. The SCO chorus, under the guidance of Gregory Batsleer, also sounded superb with a sensitive interpretation of the text.
Harry Christophers was the guest conductor. An authority on Haydn, he obviously loved conducting this composition as he totally immersed himself in the work setting the exampled for the orchestra.
Friday 15 May: Glasgow City Halls, 7.30pm