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Background:

• An oratorio written between 1797 and 1798. Considered by many to be Haydn’s masterpiece.
• The Creation depicts and celebrates the creation of the world as narrated in the Book of Genesis.
• Libretto was prepared by Gottfried van Sweiten. It’s structured in three parts and scored for soprano, tenor and bass soloists, chorus, and a symphonic orchestra.
• The first public performance was held in Vienna at the old Burgtheatre on 19 March 1799.

Recordings:

• Die Schopfung. Haydn 2032.
  Anna Lucia Richter (soprano), Maximilian Schmitt (tenor), Florian Boesch (baritone).
  Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks.
  Il Gairdino Armonico.
  Giovanni Antonini.
  Alpha.
  Presto Recording of the Week (2020).
  Presto Recordings of the Year (2020): Finalist.
  Gramophone Awards (2021): Shortlisted Choral.

• The Creation.
  Sarah Tynan (soprano), Jeremy Ovenden (tenor), Matthew Brook (bass-baritone).
  Handel and Haydn Society.
  Harry Christophers.
  Coro.
  BBC Music Magazine (2016): Choral & Song Choice.

• The Creation.
  Sylvia McNair (soprano), Michael Schade (tenor), Gerald Finley (bass).
  The Monteverdi Choir.
  The English Baroque Soloists.
  John Eliot Gardiner.
  DG Archiv.
  Gramophone Awards (1997): Winner Choral.

• Die Schopfung.
  Christina Landshamer (soprano), Maximilian Schmitt (tenor), Rudolf Rosen (baritone).
  Collegium Vocale Gent.
  Orchestre des Champs-Elysees.
  Philippe Herreweghe.
  PHI.
  Sunday Times Albums of the Year (2015).

• The Creation (Sung in English).
  Sandrine Piau (soprano), Miah Persson (soprano), Ruth Massey (contralto), Mark Padmore (tenor), Neal Davies (bass), Peter Harvey (baritone).
  Chetham’s Chamber Choir.
  Gabrieli Consort & Players.
  Paul McCreesh.
  DG Archiv.
  BBC Music Magazine (2008): Disc of the Month.
  Gramophone Awards (2008): Winner Choral.
  Presto Recording of the Week (2008).

• Die Schopfung.
  Lucy Crowe (soprano), Benjamin Bruns (tenor), Christian Gerhaher (baritone).
  Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks.
  Symphonie-Orchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks.
  Sir Simon Rattle.
  BR Klassik.
  Gramophone Magazine (2025): Finalist Choral.
  International Classical Music Awards (2026): Winner Choral.

• Die Schopfung.
  Anton Scharinger (baritone), René Pape (bass), Ruth Ziesak (soprano), Herbert Lippert (tenor), Anton Scharinger (bass).
  Chicago Symphony Chorus,.
  Chicago Symphony Orchestra & Women's Chorus.
  Sir Georg Solti.
  Decca.
  Grammy Awards (1983): Best Choral Performance.

About Coram Deo

Coram Deo — before the face of God. This blog reflects on Scripture, world events, science, music, psychology, and the human mind — always through the lens of Christian faith. All of life is lived before the face of God.