Inspired by hearing performances of Handel's oratorios during his visits to London, Haydn composed Die Schöpfung ('The Creation') in 1798. Through a series of accompanied recitatives, arias, duets and choruses, the music depicts the creation of the universe and the carefree existence of Adam and Eve. Haydn drew on the full complement of his symphonic and vocal prowess which reach peaks of almost operatic intensity. With rich harmonies and sonic magnificence in abundance, Die Schöpfung represents the apex of the Viennese oratorio tradition.
1 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-First Part. No. 1: Die Vorstellung Des Chaos (The Representation of the Chaos)
2 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-First Part. No. 2. Recitative and Chorus: Im Anfange Schuf Gott (In the Beginning God Created)
3 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-First Part. No. 3. Aria and Chorus: Andante - Nun Schwanden Vor Dem Heiligen Strahle (Now Vanquished By the Holy Rays)
4 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-First Part. No. 4. Recitative: Und Gott Machte Das Firmament (And God Made the Firmament)
5 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-First Part. No. 5. Solo and Chorus: Allegro - Mit Staunen Sieht Das Wunderwerk (They Marvel at the Wondrous Work)
6 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-First Part. No. 6. Recitative: Und Gott Sprach (And God Said)
7 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-First Part. No. 7. Aria: Allegro Assai - Rollend in Schäumenden Wellen (Rolling in Foaming Billlows)
8 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-First Part. No. 8. Recitative: Und Gott Sprach (And God Said)
9 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-First Part. No. 9. Aria: Andante - Nun Beut Die Flur Das Frische GRÜN (With Verdure Clad the Fields Appear)
10 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-First Part. No. 10. Recitative: Und Die Himmlischen Heerscharen (And the Heavenly Hosts)
11 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-First Part. No. 11. Chorus: Vivace - Stimmt An Die Saiten (Ye Harps, Awake)
12 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-First Part. No. 12. Recitative: Und Gott Sprach (And God Said)
13 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-First Part. No. 13. Recitative: Andante - in Vollem Glanze Steiget (In Radiant Brightness Rises)
14 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-First Part. No. 14. Trio and Chorus - Allegro - Die Himmel Erzählen Die Ehre Gottes (The Heavens Declare the Glory of God)
- Disc 2 -
1 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Second Part. No. 15. Recitative: Allegro - Und Gott Sprach (And God Said)
2 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Second Part. No. 16. Aria: Moderato - Auf Starkem Fittiche Schwinget (On Mighty Pinions Upward)
3 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Second Part. No. 17. Recitative: Und Gott Schuf Große Walfische (And God Created Great Whales)
4 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Second Part. No. 18. Recitative: Und Die Engel Rührten (And the Angels Struck Their Immortal Harps)
5 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Second Part. No. 19. Trio and Chorus: Moderato - in Holder Anmut Stehn (How Lovely Now Appear)
6 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Second Part. No. 20. Recitative: Und Gott Sprach (And God Said)
7 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Second Part. No. 21. Recitative: Presto - Gleich Öffnet Sich Der Erde Schoß (Straight Opening Her Fertile Womb)
8 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Second Part. No. 22. Aria: Maestoso - Nun Scheint in Vollem Glanze (Now Robed in Beauty Smiles the Earth)
9 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Second Part. No. 23. Recitative: Und Gott Schuf Den Menschen (And God Created Man)
10 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Second Part. No. 24. Aria: Andante - Mit WÜRD Und Hoheit Angetan (Sublime, in Noble Dignity)
11 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Second Part. No. 25. Recitative: Und Gott Sah Jedes Ding (And God Saw Everything)
12 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Second Part. No. 26. Chorus and Trio: Vivace - Vollendet Ist Das Große Werk (Now Ended Is the Glorious Work)
13 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Third Part. No. 27. Recitative: Largo - Aus Rosenwolken Bricht (From Rosy Clouds Softly Comes)
14 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Third Part. No. 28. Duet and Chorus: Von Deiner GÜT, O Herr! (With Praise of Thee, O Lord)
15 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Third Part. No. 29. Recitative: Nun Ist Die Erste Pflicht Erfüllt (Our First Great Duty Is Fulfilled)
16 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Third Part. No. 30. Duet: Adagio - Holde Gattin (Wife Beloved)
17 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Third Part. No. 31. Recitative: O Glücklich Paar (O Happy Pair)
18 Schöpfung (The Creation), Oratorio-Third Part. No. 32. Chorus: Andante - Singt Dem Herren (Sing the Lord)
Inspired by hearing performances of Handel's oratorios during his visits to London, Haydn composed Die Schöpfung ('The Creation') in 1798. Through a series of accompanied recitatives, arias, duets and choruses, the music depicts the creation of the universe and the carefree existence of Adam and Eve. Haydn drew on the full complement of his symphonic and vocal prowess which reach peaks of almost operatic intensity. With rich harmonies and sonic magnificence in abundance, Die Schöpfung represents the apex of the Viennese oratorio tradition.
