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MSO: Haydn’s Creation

by Margaret Arnold 20th June, 2017
by Margaret Arnold 20th June, 2017

For the third and final performance of Haydn’s masterpiece The Creation, a good number entered the comfortable Hamer Hall over an hour early, to hear MSO’s Director of Artistic Planning, Ronald Vermeulen’s well-attended and informative pre-concert talk.

Rarely for the Classical Period, where music was usually ‘”absolute’” this work draws on the many opportunities for word-painting, a characteristic of the Baroque period. The oratorio structure of recitatives, arias and choruses bringing texts (often biblical) to life had been firmly established in Handel’s great works. These had received renewed interest during Haydn’s time in London, where he is recorded as having attended a performance of Israel in Egypt in 1791 with a choir and orchestra of Mahlerian proportions.

Haydn had been given a text of unknown authorship, based on Genesis, the Psalms, and Milton’s Paradise Lost. He asked Baron Gottfried von Swieten for a German translation, and composed the work in German, but after initial performances in Vienna in 1798/9, in 1800 it received the London premiere translated back into English by Swieten. The MSO has used Paul McCreesh’s 2009 excellent revision of Swieten’s familiar text, correcting some mistranslations, improving grammar and changing word order to improve word stress.

Haydn’s opening Chaos would have sounded chaotic to the classical ear, with its dissonances and apparent lack of structure, and Sir Andrew Davis used his hands to good effect, shaping the strings underpinning the opening, with enormous dynamic variation, and allowing the woodwind colours to bubble up to the surface.

The archangels recount the Creation story from Genesis. Raphael (bass) generally sings of the earth and the waters. Uriel (tenor) is often introducing the extra-terrestrial, while Gabriel (soprano) comments on the fields, flowers, fruits and trees.

Neal Davies (bass) brought a mysterious quality to a role that is often portrayed in a rather more grand and fulsome manner. Andrew Staples (tenor) was at his best with the recitatives, with great clarity and excellent diction. The fortepiano and cello continuo allowed the recitatives to flow in the manner of a Mozart opera.

Siobhan Stagg’s Gabriel was exquisite –her luminous tone throughout the range was equally at ease with florid passagework and longer cantabile melodies, and her diction was always clear. Her serene appearance added to the effect.

The Chorus text in the first two parts of Creation is derived mainly from Psalms, with “The heavens are telling the glory of God” one of the most well known. The MSO Chorus (numbering about 80 on this occasion, and prepared by guest chorus master Warren Trevelyan-Jones) was outstanding. Although the male voices were clearly outnumbered, the balance was fine, and the attention to detail in articulation and phrasing contributed to excellent choral diction. The semiquavers in “Awake the harp, the lyre awake” have undone many a soprano section, but the women of the MSO Chorus were well in control.

The MSO Chorus and soloists concluded Part Two with “Achieved is the glorious work”, at the closing of the sixth day of the creation story. The duos and trios from soloists contrasted effectively, and all was made ready for the final part, drawn mainly from Milton’s Paradise Lost, with Uriel introducing Adam and Eve, the new roles for Neal Davies and Siobhan Stagg.

As Adam, Davies introduced a lovely lyricism that had not been present earlier, complementing Stagg’s warm and innocent Eve. Eve’s happiness in her lot as Adam’s obedient consort is perhaps stretching 21st century sensibilities, but would not have troubled 18th century audiences!

Effective orchestral colour is the foundation for the success of this wonderful work, and Sir Andrew Davis and the MSO were not found wanting – the opening Chaos, the glorious first sunrise (a wonderful expansion of the sunrise which Haydn had portrayed in his 6th Symphony), an array of beasts, birds and insects – the roaring lion, flexible tiger, nimble stag, neighing steed, bleating sheep, swarming insects, and sinuous worm. All orchestral sections contributed admirably to Haydn’s huge tonal palette.

The final chorus of praise saw mezzo soprano Shakira Tsindos join the other soloists for their very brief contribution to the ‘’Amens”, and orchestra and choir concluded the performance with an energetic flourish, leaving us with Haydn’s infectious joyfulness.

_______________________________________________

Reviewer Margaret Arnold attended the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Haydn’s Creation on June 17, 2017, at Hamer Hall, Melbourne Arts Centre.

 

 

 

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  • May 2022

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Mystic Dances

April 26 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Mystic Dances

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$30 – $37
7:00 pm - 8:10 pm

ASQ in Concert: Britten Paterson Beethoven

April 26 @ 7:00 pm - 8:10 pm

ASQ in Concert: Britten Paterson Beethoven

Program Benjamin Britten Three Divertimenti David Paterson String Quartet No.1 (Melbourne premiere)* Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet in C, Op.59 No.3,…

$60 – $70

0 events, 27

0 events, 28

0 events, 29

1 event, 30

7:00 pm - 8:15 pm

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: Across the Vast, Eternal Sky – The music of Ola Gjeilo

April 30 @ 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: Across the Vast, Eternal Sky – The music of Ola Gjeilo

Ola Gjeilo is one of the most frequently performed composers in the choral world. An accomplished pianist, improvisations over his own…

$25 – $55

2 events, 1

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Bach’s World

May 1 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Bach’s World

Music from Bach’s world, and music inspired by it, with guest direction by Sophie Rowell. Program Jan Zelenka Hypocondrie à 7…

$30 – $143
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

May 1 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

Presented by IOpera and Melbourne Opera, The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny is a satirical opera which premiered…

$35 – $95

2 events, 2

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Penny Quartet: Metamorphosis

May 2 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Penny Quartet: Metamorphosis

Celebrating the joys and complexities of the string quartet. Program György Ligeti String Quartet No.1, ‘Métamorphoses nocturnes’ Ella Macens Resting with…

$30 – $37
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Ensemble Liaison & Friends: Pictures

May 2 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Ensemble Liaison & Friends: Pictures

An animated, intimate and joyous event not to be missed. Program Christoph Willibald Gluck Orfeo ed Euridice Act II: ‘Dance of…

$45 – $55

2 events, 3

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Musica Viva: Van Diemen’s Band

May 3 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Musica Viva: Van Diemen’s Band

Australia’s finest early music specialists invite you to experience the beautiful melding of cultures in Europe’s historical borderlands for Musica Viva…

$40 – $153
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Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

May 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

Presented by IOpera and Melbourne Opera, The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny is a satirical opera which premiered…

$35 – $95

1 event, 4

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Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 4 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

Raise your glass, bat your pretty lashes, it’s Paris in the salons and you’re the life of the party. He’s staring…

$38 – $289

1 event, 5

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

May 5 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

Presented by IOpera and Melbourne Opera, The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny is a satirical opera which premiered…

$35 – $95

0 events, 6

1 event, 7

7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 7 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

Raise your glass, bat your pretty lashes, it’s Paris in the salons and you’re the life of the party. He’s staring…

$38 – $289

3 events, 8

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Mother’s Day at fortyfivedownstairs: “Viola, Viola” and “Brahms and Dances”

May 8 @ 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Mother’s Day at fortyfivedownstairs: “Viola, Viola” and “Brahms and Dances”

Mothers Day at fortyfivedownstairs! On Sunday the 8th of May, enjoy two gorgeous recitals in our theatre and a lovely afternoon…

$70
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Melbourne Opera: Bel Canto Opera Spectacular

May 8 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Melbourne Opera: Bel Canto Opera Spectacular

  Join a superb line-up of Australia's most renowned opera stars and the Melbourne Opera Orchestra on Mother's Day and celebrate…

$59
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Mozart

May 8 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Mozart

Stepping in to perform a sublime solo work in place of Craig Hill is none other than the Brandenburg’s own beloved Concertmaster, Shaun Lee-Chen.

$30 – $170

2 events, 9

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

KIAZMA – Relaxed Performance

May 9 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

KIAZMA – Relaxed Performance

About the artists Described as ‘masterful’, ‘positively ecstatic’ and ‘profoundly moving, subtle and exuberant’, the KIAZMA Piano Duo brings together the infectious musical…

$10
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Selby and Friends Twilight Series – Four-Part Harmony

May 9 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Selby and Friends Twilight Series – Four-Part Harmony

This program of beautiful piano quartets with four artists of extraordinary skill and warmth will be thrilling. Program Paul Stanhope My…

$55 – $57

1 event, 10

7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 10 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

Raise your glass, bat your pretty lashes, it’s Paris in the salons and you’re the life of the party. He’s staring…

$38 – $289

0 events, 11

2 events, 12

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Jacqueline Porter & Dean Sky-Lucas – The Art of French Song

May 12 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Jacqueline Porter & Dean Sky-Lucas – The Art of French Song

Jacqueline Porter (soprano) and Dean Sky-Lucas (piano) explore the inextricable links between poetry and music in an evening of exquisite French…

$24 – $44
8:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Kawai Piano Series – Stefan Cassomenos – Hammerklavier

Stefan Cassemenos
May 12 @ 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Kawai Piano Series – Stefan Cassomenos – Hammerklavier

Internationally acclaimed pianist Stefan Cassomenos presents three sweeping visions from venerated compositional titans - Ligeti’s epic whirlwind étude 'Fanfares', Gubaidulina’s earth-shattering…

$24 – $44

1 event, 13

7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 13 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

Raise your glass, bat your pretty lashes, it’s Paris in the salons and you’re the life of the party. He’s staring…

$38 – $289

2 events, 14

6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

Lohengrin with Jonas Kaufmann
May 14 @ 6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

In a romance of mythical proportions, our Knight of the Swan rescues his damsel asking only one thing in return… Elsa…

$149
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Musica Viva: Van Diemen’s Band

May 14 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Musica Viva: Van Diemen’s Band

Australia’s finest early music specialists invite you to experience the beautiful melding of cultures in Europe’s historical borderlands for Musica Viva…

$40 – $153

1 event, 15

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

GLOW – Jasper Ly and Peter Dumsday

May 15 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

GLOW – Jasper Ly and Peter Dumsday

Jasper Ly is an Australian oboist based in Melbourne. He is a dynamic and vibrant performer who aims to captivate and…

$25 – $35

2 events, 16

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Mozart Sinfonia Concertante

May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Mozart Sinfonia Concertante

Benjamin Britten and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart reach out to one another across the centuries in profound and deeply moving communion. Mozart’s…

$25 – $131
7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

Raise your glass, bat your pretty lashes, it’s Paris in the salons and you’re the life of the party. He’s staring…

$38 – $289

1 event, 17

6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

Lohengrin with Jonas Kaufmann
May 17 @ 6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

In a romance of mythical proportions, our Knight of the Swan rescues his damsel asking only one thing in return… Elsa…

$149

1 event, 18

7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 18 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

Raise your glass, bat your pretty lashes, it’s Paris in the salons and you’re the life of the party. He’s staring…

$38 – $289

0 events, 19

1 event, 20

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Pure Harmony Musical Events: After Aida

May 20 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Pure Harmony Musical Events: After Aida

It’s 1879 and Giuseppe Verdi, Italy’s most beloved composer, has not written an opera for nearly a decade. What is to…

$42 – $55

4 events, 21

12:30 pm - 4:50 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

Lohengrin with Jonas Kaufmann
May 21 @ 12:30 pm - 4:50 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

In a romance of mythical proportions, our Knight of the Swan rescues his damsel asking only one thing in return… Elsa…

$149
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Pure Harmony Musical Events: After Aida

May 21 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Pure Harmony Musical Events: After Aida

It’s 1879 and Giuseppe Verdi, Italy’s most beloved composer, has not written an opera for nearly a decade. What is to…

$42 – $55
7:30 pm - 8:40 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Pines of Rome

May 21 @ 7:30 pm - 8:40 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Pines of Rome

MSO and Melbourne Youth Orchestra in a special collaborative concert. Enjoy Respighi's symphonic showstopper plus a selection of modern masterpieces as…

$35
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Mozart Sinfonia Concertante

May 21 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Mozart Sinfonia Concertante

Benjamin Britten and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart reach out to one another across the centuries in profound and deeply moving communion. Mozart’s…

$25 – $131

2 events, 22

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Recurring

Pure Harmony Musical Events: After Aida

May 22 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Recurring

Pure Harmony Musical Events: After Aida

It’s 1879 and Giuseppe Verdi, Italy’s most beloved composer, has not written an opera for nearly a decade. What is to…

$42 – $55
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Australian Boys Choir: Austrian Encounters

May 22 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Australian Boys Choir: Austrian Encounters

Don’t miss the Australian Boys Choir in an orchestral extravaganza together with The Vocal Consort and the Australian Romantic & Classical…

$15 – $35

0 events, 23

1 event, 24

6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

Lohengrin with Jonas Kaufmann
May 24 @ 6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

In a romance of mythical proportions, our Knight of the Swan rescues his damsel asking only one thing in return… Elsa…

$149

0 events, 25

1 event, 26

7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 26 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

Raise your glass, bat your pretty lashes, it’s Paris in the salons and you’re the life of the party. He’s staring…

$38 – $289

0 events, 27

1 event, 28

12:30 pm - 3:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 28 @ 12:30 pm - 3:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

Raise your glass, bat your pretty lashes, it’s Paris in the salons and you’re the life of the party. He’s staring…

$38 – $289

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0 events, 30

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  • There are no events on this day.
April 26
April 26 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Mystic Dances

April 26 @ 7:00 pm - 8:10 pm

ASQ in Concert: Britten Paterson Beethoven

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  • There are no events on this day.
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April 30
April 30 @ 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: Across the Vast, Eternal Sky – The music of Ola Gjeilo

May 1
May 1 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Bach’s World

May 1 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

May 2
May 2 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Penny Quartet: Metamorphosis

May 2 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Ensemble Liaison & Friends: Pictures

May 3
May 3 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Musica Viva: Van Diemen’s Band

May 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

May 4
May 4 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 5
May 5 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

  • There are no events on this day.
May 7
May 7 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 8
May 8 @ 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Mother’s Day at fortyfivedownstairs: “Viola, Viola” and “Brahms and Dances”

May 8 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Melbourne Opera: Bel Canto Opera Spectacular

May 8 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Mozart

May 9
May 9 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

KIAZMA – Relaxed Performance

May 9 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Selby and Friends Twilight Series – Four-Part Harmony

May 10
May 10 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

  • There are no events on this day.
May 12
May 12 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Jacqueline Porter & Dean Sky-Lucas – The Art of French Song

May 12 @ 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Kawai Piano Series – Stefan Cassomenos – Hammerklavier

May 13
May 13 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 14
May 14 @ 6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

May 14 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Musica Viva: Van Diemen’s Band

May 15
May 15 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

GLOW – Jasper Ly and Peter Dumsday

May 16
May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Mozart Sinfonia Concertante

May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 17
May 17 @ 6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

May 18
May 18 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

  • There are no events on this day.
May 20
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Pure Harmony Musical Events: After Aida

May 21
May 21 @ 12:30 pm - 4:50 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

May 21 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Pure Harmony Musical Events: After Aida

May 21 @ 7:30 pm - 8:40 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Pines of Rome

May 21 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Mozart Sinfonia Concertante

May 22
May 22 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Recurring

Pure Harmony Musical Events: After Aida

May 22 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Australian Boys Choir: Austrian Encounters

May 24
May 24 @ 6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

May 26
May 26 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 28
May 28 @ 12:30 pm - 3:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 22
May 22 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Recurring

Pure Harmony Musical Events: After Aida

May 22 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Australian Boys Choir: Austrian Encounters

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May 24
May 24 @ 6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

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Opera Australia: La Traviata

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Opera Australia: La Traviata

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