“The Creation” – Humility & Faith II

Choral and Orchestral Concert

Monday, 31 July 2023
7.30 pm, Saanen Church

This is one of Haydn's masterpieces, the crowning achievement of his creative life. A colossal oratorio celebrating the creation of the Universe as described in the Book of Genesis, the idea for which came to him in London after listening to Handel's great oratorios. It was an immediate success, the first performances in Vienna were eagerly awaited, the price of tickets soared, the work was exported throughout Europe and as far as the United States, and reached a degree of “eternity” when it was performed on 27 March 1808 at the Burgtheater in Vienna, the last time the ailing Haydn was present in the hall. Carried in a sedan chair, he is said to have declared, pointing to the sky, in response to the audience's applause for the sublime recollection of the creation of light: “This music does not come from me, it comes from above.” Faith … and humility!