Die Schpfung [The Creation]

JOSEPH HAYDN

Haydn and The Creation

Composed in 1797/98

Inspired to write a large oratorio after encountering Handels oratorios

in England

Haydn composed the piece to be performed bilingually

Sources for the libretto: Genesis, book of Psalms, and John Miltons
Paradise Lost.

Recitatives typically contain incorporate Biblical text, while following

arias utilize expanded libretto [Baron Gottfried van Swieten]

Scoring & Characterization

3 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, contrabassoon

2 horns, 2 trumpets, A/T/B trombones, timpani

Violin, viola, cello, bass, harpsichord

SATB chorus

STB soloists:

Gabriel/Eve soprano

Uriel tenor

Raphael/Adam - bass

Part 1: Creation of the Universe

Days 1-4

Vivid use of motivic ideas and key selections to create affekt and
emotion

C minor/major and d minor/major to illustrate creation of light to dark, and

void to water

Flat key in aria Now robed in cool refreshing greencreates warm affekt

D major for bright or radient sun themes

Awake the Harp call and response between chorus and orchestra

Part 2: Creation of Animals, Man and Woman

Days 5-6

Original carnival of the animals?!

The 8 animals [bass recit tr.20/#21]

Joyous Meditative Joyous [tr.26/#26-28]

Haydns common use of bombastic and/or sudden musical moments

Part 3: In Paradise

Slow orchestral prelude in E major representing the Garden of Eden

Mozarts influence? Die Zauberflte? [tr.30/#32]