Concert

Haydn: The Creation

Dates 22 Mar 2025
7:30 pm, Saturday 22 March 2025 Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Musical Society presents Haydn: The Creation at Salisbury Cathedral

Joseph Haydn’s joyous work, The Creation, was first performed in 1799, and was probably inspired by the oratorios of Handel which Haydn heard during his visits to England during the 1790s. The oratorio depicts and celebrates the creation of the world in all its beauty, as depicted in Milton’s Paradise Lost and the Biblical book of Genesis. The work plays out as a musical drama, with changing landscapes and scenes summoned one after the other before the audience’s eyes.

The Creation is divided into three parts: 1 and 2 give an account of the six days of the Creation itself, including vivid musical word-painting, such as the storm scenes, the wonderful sunrise music and the colourful depiction of various animals and birds. Part 3 introduces us to Adam and Eve who sing of the wonder and perfection of God’s newly created world and of their happiness together.

Beloved by singers and audiences alike, The Creation is Haydn’s crowning masterpiece. A terrifying God is nowhere to be found in this optimistic oratorio, which Haydn hoped would serve as a source of comfort to those burdened by cares. Precisely this spirit of unbounded joy and celebration has helped The Creation to endure throughout the years, a spiritual masterpiece for a secular age.

Salisbury Musical Society
Haydn The Creation
The Hanover Band
David Halls, conductor
Hilary Cronin, sop, Guy Cutting, tenor, Malachy Frame, bass

Booking Details
Tickets £10-£40
Click the link to book on the Salisbury Musical Society website.

22 Mar 2025 | 19:30 Haydn: The Creation
22 Mar 2025 | 19:30
Haydn: The Creation