Representation of Chaos from The Creation (Die Schöpfung) - Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)

Franz Joseph Haydn was born in 1732 in Austria and died in 1809 in the same country, after a battle with an unknown illness. His last public appearance was at a performance of his Creation in 1808 at the age of 77. Self-taught, Haydn was considered largely successful, with few enemies to speak of. Haydn was frequently satisfied with smaller orchestras. He was occasionally into larger ensembles when the need arose, but appeared to favor smaller ensembles. Creation is regarded as the climax of his work and fame. It was based on a libretto titled Paradise Lost, which was originally intended for Handel’s use, which is ironic given that historians agree that Creation as an oratorio is second only to Handel’s Messiah. Creation premiered in 1798 at the Schwarzenberg Palace as a private performance, and was later premiered publicly at the National Theatre.

The work is scored for an orchestra, soloists, and SATB choir. It can be likened in style to Handel’s Messiah, although there is some merit in comparisons to Bach’s works, and consequently, Mendelssohn’s Elijah. The opening, Representation of Chaos, is an orchestral opening without the use of choir. Considerations should be made when considering conducting this piece in regards to style, as well as tempo and flow. The piece is meant to evoke chaos, and as such, sections may feel long and unmetered or rhythmic and precise. Some of the slower opening segments have sustained chords that feel like they have fermatas placed on them, when in actuality, it is a combination of long note values and slow tempos. The occasional triplet figure in the double reeds, as well as the occasional quarter note passages in the flutes, personify the rhythm and give the time signature a home. The piece strays from this during the middle rhythmic section, but returns to a combination of long, extended notes and rhythmic, metered selections towards the end. The entire work is available in the public domain on CPDL or IMSLP.

Hadow, H. (1932). Haydn. The Musical Times, 73(1069), 209-213.