The Creation

The Creation (German: "Die Schöpfung") is an oratorio written 1796-1798 by Joseph Haydn, and considered by many to be his masterpiece. The oratorio depicts and celebrates the creation of the world as described in the biblical Book of Genesis.

Composition and premiere

Haydn was inspired to write a large oratorio during his visits to England in 1791-1792 and 1794-1795, when he heard oratorios of Handel performed by large forces. It is likely that Haydn wanted to try to achieve results of comparable weight, using the musical language of the mature classical style.

Related Topics:
England - 1791 - 1792 - 1794 - 1795 - Handel

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The work on the oratorio lasted from October 1796 to April 1798. Haydn found his topic to be inspirational, and from his own testimony it appears that the composition of The Creation was for him a profoundly religious experience. He worked on the project to the point of exhaustion, and indeed collapsed into a period of illness after he had finally conducted the premiere performance.

Related Topics:
October - April

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The Creation was first performed in Vienna (in Prince Schwarzenberg's palace, April and May 1798) before private audiences consisting of the noblemen who had commissioned the work and their guests. These performances permitted Haydn to make adjustments in preparation for the public premiere, which took place in the Burgtheater in Vienna in March 1799. This premiere was extremely successful, and the work was often performed in Vienna in the remainder of Haydn's lifetime (1732-1809).

Related Topics:
May - March - 1799 - 1732 - 1809

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Following translation into English, The Creation was performed in London (Covent Garden, 1800) and then, with further translations authorized by the composer, throughout Europe.

Related Topics:
London - Europe

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The work has been part of the classical repertory continuously since its premiere and is widely performed and recorded today.

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A typical performance lasts about one hour and 45 minutes.

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