Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Haydn-The Creation


Haydn-Die Schopfing-Antal Dorati-RRO-Popp-Hollweg-Moll-Dose-Luxon
2008 (remastered) | Classical | EAC, APE, CUE | 2 CD | Complete Covers | 577 MB | Rapidshare

This album is a superb recording of Haydn's oratorio The Creation conducted by Antal Dorati and featuring the incredible voices of bass Kurt Moll and soprano Lucia Popp. There is another recording I like, an obscure recording with Roland Bader conducting the Cracow National Philharmonic and the voices of soprano Teresa Seidl, tenor Christian Elsner and baritone Michael Volle. This recording is the best and the singers are divine and it's too bad it's not really well known or circulated. But this recording is dynamic and powerful and beautiful. It would be my second choice of favorite. Haydn, who together with Mozart lead the Classical movement (1750-1820)was inspired to compose the massive oratorio after listening to a performance of Handel's Messiah. Of course, the Messiah is far superior in many ways and is the most spiritual work of music ever made but Haydn gave it his best and produced a marvelous miracle of music. The Creation features arias, recitatives, ensembles and chorus much like Handel's Messiah and the lyrics are taken from Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost. The Creation tells of the creation of the universe and the earth by God and the creation of Man- Adam and his wife Eve. The second part, rather than describing the Fall in the Garden of Eden, instead praises God and his creation in glowing terms.

To effectively perform The Creation, a fine cast of singers and a sophisticated and well-trained chorus is necessary. I feel this album does that perfectly. Soprano Lucia Popp, a German-born singer, sang numerous roles in opera for lyric and coloratura voice and she was comfortable in Mozart operas, Lieder, and the oratario like Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. Her voice is heavenly and full of spiritual fire as the angel Gabriel and as Eve. Bass baritone Kurt Moll, more a bass than a baritone, has a resonant, deep voice that often reminds one of the voice of God. He is perfect for the voice of the angel Raphael and he doubles as Adam. He is an exceptionally gifted artist and his voices are among the greatest in bass singers. This is a great album and is sure to cast a powerful spell over you. The Creation and The Messiah are the most inspiring works of music written about God for God.


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