Die Schöpfung – Collegium vocale Gent (Amsterdam)

Joseph Haydn [1732–1809], Die Schöpfung Hob.XXI:2

Robin Johansen soprano
Werner Güra tenor
Florian Boesch bass

Collegium Vocale Gent choir
Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest orchestra
Philippe Herreweghe conductor

Joseph Haydn had never been completely aware of just what an astonishing effect vernacular oratorios could have on audiences. After seeing several performances of Handel’s Messiah in London, he changed his mind completely, apparently having been deeply moved. Awestruck, he started to write his first oratorio, already past the age of sixty. Haydn pulled out all the stops for Die Schöpfung (The Creation), and surpassed himself as an independent and self-aware artist. The official premiere was on 19 March 1799 in Vienna’s Burgtheater, and its success was nothing less than wild!