Handel and Haydn Society & Harry Christophers – Haydn: The Creation (2015) [FLAC 24bit/96kHz]

Inspired by Haydn’s trips to England, where he first heard Handel’s oratorios, The Creation is widely considered Haydn’s crowning masterpiece. Set for three vocal soloists, four-part chorus, and a large Classical orchestra, there seems little doubt that Haydn wanted a big sound (by the standard of his day) for this work. Based on both the biblical Book of Genesis and Milton’s Paradise Lost, the oratorio was premiered in the US by the Handel and Haydn Society in 1819. Harry Christophers says: “Haydn’s music is always a joy to perform but with The Creation he excels himself allowing soloists, chorus and period orchestra to revel in vivid word painting, both vocal and instrumental. Can there be a more consistently happy work than The Creation? Feel free to smile at his genius.”

Handel and Haydn Society is America’s oldest continuously operating arts organisation. Its Bicentennial celebration began with the 2014-2015 Season and continues into the 2015-2016 Season. Harry Christophers has been Artistic Director since 2008.

Tracklist:
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
01. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 1, The Representation of Chaos
02. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 1, In the Beginning
03. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 1, Now Vanish Before the Holy Beams
04. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 1, And God Made the Firmament
05. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 1, The Marv’llous Work Beholds
06. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 1, And God said: Let the Waters
07. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 1, Rolling in Foaming Billows
08. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 1, And God said: Let the Earth
09. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 1, With Verdure Clad the Fields Appear Delightful
10. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 1, And the Heavenly Host Proclaimed
11. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 1, Awake the Harp, the Lyre Awake!
12. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 1, And God said: Let There be Lights
13. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 1, In Splendor Bright is Rising Now
14. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 1, The Heavens are Telling the Glory of God
15. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 2, And God said: Let the Waters
16. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 2, On Mighty Pens Uplifted
17. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 2, And God Created Great Whales
18. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 2, And the Angels Struck their Immortal Harps
19. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 2, Most Beautiful Appear
20. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 2, And God said: Let the Earth
21. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 2, Strait Opening her Fertile Womb
22. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 2, Now Heav’n in Fullest Glory Shone
23. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 2, And God Created Man in His Own Image
24. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 2, In Native Worth and Honour Clad
25. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 2, And God Saw Ev’rything That He Had Made
26. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 2, Achieved is the Glorious Work
27. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 3, In Rosy Mantle Appears
28. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 3, By Thee with Bliss
29. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 3, Our Duty We Have Now Performed
30. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 3, Graceful Consort!
31. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 3, O Happy Pair
32. The Creation, Hob.XXI:2: Pt. 3, Praise the Lord, Ye Voices All!