Search - Donna Carter, John Cheek, Jon Humphrey :: Franz Joseph Haydn: The Creation

I'm sold on it

Larry VanDeSande | Mason, Michigan United States | 07/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I looked around for a new English language version of Haydn's "Creation" to use for practice before I sang in the chorus for my local choral society's performance of Haydn's "Creation" earlier this year. I am not naturally drawn to Robert Shaw or his work, having been disappointed by him in recordings of Poulenc, Bach, Penderecki and other composers.I wanted a new recording to replace the one I'd been listening to -- Hogwood's version. It was fine in a hyperactive English way. Many of the choruses were taken at presto and the enunciation of his very large group was never very clear. I considered Rattle and borrowed a copy from my local library. After hearing it I dismissed it from consideration, since I would not enjoy it over an extended period. I tried a couple German language versions, too. The famous Karajan has a starry quartet but is a might overdone in my book. Bruno Weil's traversal if forgettable, as is Gardiner. I found someone willing to sell me the Shaw version for $15 which was a good deal even by resale shop standards.I would agree with almost everything written in the Amazon review of this music and would add this: what makes this version sparkle, aside from lustrous singing by everyone involved, is Shaw's deep understanding of Haydn and his performance method. Above all things, Josef Haydn was a moderate. He loved a good joke and even fell in love once, but his linchpin emotion was temperance and moderation. Performances of his music that go beyond this fail, in my opinion.Shaw's version uses judicious speeds and an approach that is consistent throughout. His soloists are all exceptional and I would point out the notable contributions of Heidi Grant Murphy and James McGuire as Eve and Adam, respectively. In performing this music this past Easter, I came to a better understanding of the role these two play in the Creation and the role they must have played in Haydn's mind and soul. In particular, the duet with choral accompaniment "By thee with grace" is one of Haydn's most inspired creations, floating above the Earth like fine mist on a humid morning.Everything about this performance makes it one of the most treasurable venues for this music. On a final note, I must agree with the critical reviewer that was exasperated by Shaw's score changes. This threw me greatly when I first began practicing with the well-known and time-tested Schirmer score. Still, this is a minor quibble in a recording so good in all respects. Unless you seek a German version of want a more dramatic approach, this version should satisfy you for years to come."

Arrogant what??? This is great

Larry VanDeSande | 12/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The person who wrote the "arrogant SOB" review should know that Shaw was the opposite-- generous, good-hearted, and with high ideals.
But let's forget about that. What's interesting about this remark is the misconception of "service" and "arrogance." Haydn published The Creation with a German and an English text. Why? Well, partly because it was commissioned in London, but partly because composers back then expected the audience to actually understand the text. Unfortunately, Haydn's librettist, Baron von Swieten, did not have very idiomatic English. So you end up with lines like "The large and arching front sublime, of wisdom deep declares the seat." Got it? Now imagine hearing it sung. Huh?
Robert Shaw worked out a text that actually can be understood at first hearing by English-speaking audiences, but also fits the music perfectly. That line becomes, with Shaw, "His broad and arching, noble brow proclaims of wisdom's deep abode." Actually understandable, for a change. Great music deserves this.
Shaw had the same aim as composers once had: giving the audience something meaningful, not just voices singing incomprehensible texts.
If you're a native German speaker, or fluent in the language, there's no reason not get a fine recording of the German text (Karajan or Gardiner). But if you're an Anglophone (or a choral conductor with Anglophone audiences) Shaw's the text to use. In his recording you get a complete, integrated experience of words and music. Haydn would have have loved it."

Feverishly Refreshing!

D. Seymour | Atlanta, GA USA | 04/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If the Messiah is an oratorio for the Christmas season, then the Creation is the perfect oratorio for spring. It captures the same excitement and wonder as a case of spring fever when all you want to do is jump in your car & drive with your head out the window pondering why the sky is blue. The choppy opening depicts chaos from which God begins to organize his creation. Right after "and there was light" there is the perfect orchestral moment of the light piercing the darkness. You will be taken up with the aria and chorus 'What wonder doth his work reveal'. Dawn Upshaw is nothing short of magnificent throughout the recording - she really does have the voice of an angel. She joyously reigns over her aria 'On mighty wings' without the slightest hint of effort. The chorus bursts forth splendidly for 'Awake the harp', especially on the line "Rejoice in the Lord, the Mighty Lord!". And if you like that, just wait a few minutes until they fire up 'The heavens are telling'. Jon Humphrey makes out believably well during his tunefully saccharine aria 'In native worth'. The fun comes bounding back, however, with the chorus 'Fulfilled at last the glorious work'. Just when you thought it was created already, Adam & Eve join the party to sing "Ah, sweet mystery of life" sentiments to each other for about 20 minutes. Quite silly. But, all is forgiven for the final, spirited choral fugue 'Sing to God'. Shaw and Parker's English translation rests perfectly on top of the music. This disc is a sheer delight!"