JOSEPH HAYDN

 

The Creation (Die Schöpfung)

 

Sally Matthews

Ian Bostridge

Dietrich Henschel

 

London Symphony Chorus & Orchestra / Sir Colin Davis

 

Haydn's masterpiece The Creation is a work with which Sir Colin has a long association yet has never previously recorded. Sir Colin is joined by a sensational set of singers for his recording. Soprano Sally Matthews has sung on several of Sir Colin's previous LSO Live recordings and she is accompanied by Ian Bostridge and Dietrich Henschel. Having been inspired by Handel's oratorios whilst in London, Haydn set Die Schöpfung to a text originally intended for his predecessor. With bright orchestration and vivid imagery, Haydn's account of the world's creation confirmed that he too had mastered the art of musical dramatics and composed a work that is celebrated as one of the masterpieces of the classical era.

 

Concert Reviews:

 

"the work emerged in all its awesome glory." New York Times

 

"a reading that was completely faithful to the spirit of the composer's inspiration ... the excellence of the LSC cannot be too highly emphasised. The music sounded fresh and vital - as it is, of course, in essence. Sally Matthews's radiant soprano was a consistent joy ... Above all, it was Davis's patrician and affectionate presiding over the proceedings which makes one hope that the recording will be one to cherish." Classicalsource.com

 

DSD recording, live at the Barbican October 2007

Stereo and multi-channel (5.1)

 

LSO Live 2SACDs LSO0628