Search - Haydn, Ludwig, Hotter :: Die Schopfung (Creation)

A powerful, dramatic performance

Theodore Shulman | NYC | 05/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is, as the other reviewer said, a particularly Wagnerian performance. But that's not necessarily a bad thing with this piece, which emphasizes the Creator's majesty above all. It's good-Wagner, dramatic and targetted, not too slow nor too heavy (most of the time).



Irmgard Seefried is an agile and authoritative angel. This is the earliest and I think the best of her four recordings of the Angel Gabriel. Hans Hotter is fully up to the task of singing in the voice of the Almighty. He was equally capable of heroic and lyric singing and here he does an exceptionally good job of changing his voice from true-bass for Archangel Raphael/Almighty Gott, to young, high-lyric Adam. The giant is not afraid to sing softly. Walter Ludwig is elegant and modest. The singers function well together in ensemble. The conducting is deliberate but taut.



I'll go with the other reviewer and say this should not be your only SCHOPFUNG--you should have one which is more typical, more brisk and crisp. But this one should be in everyone's collection."

Heavy Haydn: Wonderful but not Jochum's best.

RENS | Dover, NH USA | 08/19/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the same performance of April 27, 1951 issued on the Melodram label. If you wish to read my review and suggestions, please refer to that version, also listed on Amazon.com. I have not heard this Archipel release, so I cannot comment on the quality of the sound. In sum: this is a delightful listening experience but ought not be one's introduction to Haydn's "The Creation." John Eliot Gardiner's recording would be an exellent first choice in the German version, along with Jochum's later 1966 recording in stereo. For the original English version, try either Christopher Hogwood or Robert Shaw."