Customer Reviews

Haydn - The Creation / Kirkby, Rolfe Johnson, George, AAM, Hogwood

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a unique "Creation". Hogwood massed forces of the same size that Haydn used for the first performance and recorded the proceedings in the same type of hall. He uses period instruments, including a forte piano for the recitatives. The result is a disc with a sound all its own. Another plus for me is that the libretto is sung in English. The performance is fast, coming in at about 98 minutes, leaving the listener quite exhilarated by the end. Lyrical moments are not lacking, and the soloists are wonderful. For a while I listened to this every week, but even now that I'm used to it, it still gives me great pleasure after several years.

Not only are Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music "Premier" period music players,but this edition is sung in English,instead of Hadyn's native German(Hadyn himself sanctioned and welcomed the English translation)making it all the more accessible to English-speaking ears.Excellent soloists,chorus and period orchestral sound!

Once again, the Academy of Ancient Music has made an excellent recording of a masterpiece. Their historically accurate interpretation is beautiful, and Emma Kirkby's voice is extremely pure and clear. Exquisite!

I have the Frans Brüggen recording with the Orchestra of the 18th Century, sung in German, and I like it a lot. However, this recording, with the English text, is simply wonderful. From the very first moments to the finale, this recording of this work is a magical and mystical experience. It is essentially a recreation of the forces used in London to perform the work in Haydn's time.

The soloists are excellent and the choir and very large orchestra are in fine form.

One of Hogwood's greatest and most amazing recordings.

I won't refute anything anyone else has said in praise of this performance-- it is thoroughly enjoyable, especially for those who love "the flexible tiger" and the other whimisical delights of the English version.
BUT--

I do wish that there had been another soprano, and another bass/baritone on hand to sing the Adam and Eve. In this performance, Michael George and Emma Kirkby each sing the roles of the angels Raphael and Gabriel (respectively), then Adam and Eve. A clear contrast of vocal colors between the angelic and earthly characters seems called for, and greatly enhances the work.