Die Schöpfung / The Creation (1798 Haydn / Swieten), oratorio
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Die Schöpfung <German> / The Creation (1798) is an oratorio by Joseph Haydn (mus.), and Gottfried van Swieten (libr.). Text based on the Book of Genesis and on portions of Paradise lost by John Milton.
Abstract
The oratorio was published in a German-English bilingual edition.
Editions, performances
The first performance of The Creation took place privately in Vienna, Austria: Palais Schwarzenberg, 30 April 1798. Composer Antonio Salieri played the continuo part, while Haydn directed the massive ensemble of singers, chorus and orchestra. The first public premiere occurred at the Vienna Burgtheater on 19 March 1799.
Synopsis
- pt. 1. Introduction: The representation of chaos -- Recitative with chorus: In the beginning -- Aria with chorus: Now vanish before the holy beams -- Recitative: And God made the firmament -- Chorus with soprano solo: The marv'lous work beholds amaz'd -- Recitative: And God said: Let the waters -- Aria: Rolling in foam billows -- Recitative: And God said: Let the earth bring forth grass -- Aria: With verdure clad -- Recitative: And the heavenly host proclaimed -- Chorus: Awake the harp -- Recitative: And God said: Let there be lights -- Recitative: In splendor bright is rising now -- Chorus with solos: The heavens are telling
- pt. 2. Recitative: And God said: Let the waters bring forth -- Aria: On mighty pens -- Recitative: And God created great whales -- Recitative: And the angels struck their immortal harps -- Trio: Most beautyful appear -- Chorus with solos: The Lord is great -- Recitative: And God said: Let the earth bring forth the living creature -- Recitative: Strait opening her fertile womb -- Aria: Now heav'n in fullest glory shone -- Recitative: And God created man -- Aria: In native worth and honour clad -- Recitative: And God saw ev'rything -- Chorus: Achieved is the glorious work -- Trio: On thee each living soul awaits -- Chorus: Achieved is the glorious work
- pt. 3. Recitative: In rosy mantle -- Duet and chorus: By thee with bliss, o bounteous Lord -- Recitative: Our duty we performed now -- Duet: Graceful consort! At thy side -- Recitative: O happy pair -- Final chorus (with solos): Sing the Lord ye voices all.