The Creation in Full Score (Dover Vocal Scores) [Paperback]

Joseph Haydn (Author), Opera and Choral Scores (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dover Vocal Scores | Publication Date: August 1, 1990

After Handel's Messiah, this is the most popular and most performed oratorio ever written, celebrating the wonders reported in the Book of Genesis. Reprinted from the authoritative edition published by C. F. Peters of Leipzig, complete with a text underlay in both German and English.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Premiered in 1799, the oratorio Die Schoepfung (The Creation) was a smashing success for Joseph Haydn. It was an authentic hit that received performances all over Europe in the first decade of the new century, including nearly 50 in its premiere city of Vienna. The Creation was, incidentally, the first ever example of a score to be published simultaneously in two languages: Haydn set texts collected and adapted by Baron Gottfried van Swieten--bits of Genesis and Psalms, along with snippets of Milton's Paradise Lost--in both English and German. The composer combines a variety of musical styles (and musical tricks) to make the words live vividly in the listener's ear, and not a note is wasted. The score contains secco recitative, mighty choruses, and beguiling arias. One of the most delightful sections is the chorus (with soloists): "The heavens are telling the glory of God" ("Die Himmel erzaehlen die Ehre Gottes") that ends the first part. The Creation is a work with great religious and entertainment value.

Haydn has achieved some wonderful effects--listen to his picture of Chaos, and to his version of "Let there be light!" You can examine for yourself the means by which he accomplished it with this full orchestral score from Dover. It is, like all Dover scores, a reissued copy of a score from another publisher that has fallen out of copyright. Don't look here for the latest in Haydn scholarship, but do look here for a reasonably priced tool for exploring and understanding a wonderful score.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (August 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486264114
• ISBN-13: 978-0486264110
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #412,418 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Sheet Music & Scores > Composers > Haydn
  • #75 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Sheet Music & Scores > Historical Period > Classical

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Piano realization??, October 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Creation in Full Score (Dover Vocal Scores) (Paperback)

While I was delighted to find such a beautiful and well constructed edition of this oratorio, I was disapointed to discouver that there was no piano realization of the orchestra. German is displayed as the primary text with Eniglish sown beneath.