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Haydn: Die Schopfung / Bernstein, Blegen, Popp, Moser, Ollman


Release Date: 07/14/2009 
Label:  Deutsche Grammophon   Catalog #: 001303509  
Composer:  Franz Joseph Haydn
Performer:  Kurt Moll,  Lucia Popp,  Thomas Moser,  Judith Blegen,   ... 
Conductor:  Leonard Bernstein
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra,  Bavarian Radio Chorus
Number of Discs: 1 
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2 Customer
Reviews

Notes and Editorial Reviews

Haydn’s Creation, the culmination of his life’s work, in a legendary 1986 performance conducted by Leonard Bernstein in the exquisite Baroque splendor of the Benedictine Abbey of Ottobeuren, Bavaria, now available on DVD for the first time. This spectacular performance also includes Bernstein’s spoken introduction to the performance —always an invaluable addition to any concert.

This work, considered by many to be Haydn’s masterpiece, depicts the creation of the world as inspired by the texts of Genesis, the Book of Psalms and Milton’s Paradise Lost. Though deeply religious in conception, the oratorio gives a physical sense of the immensity of nature and the world’s creation.
“The Creation gives us time to Read more remember—and rejoice in— the purity and grace and fortitude of Nature, to restore our souls, to recover our moral strength, and to rediscover our power to praise”—Leonard Bernstein

Recorded in surround sound, this DVD is sure to become a valuable addition to any collection.

Aspect Ratio: 4:3
Audio Playback: PCM Stereo • DTS 5.1
Picture Format: Full Frame
Primary Language: English
Subtitles: German, English, French, Spanish, Chinese

JUDITH BLEGEN Gabriel (Soprano)
LUCIA POPP Eva (Soprano)
THOMAS MOSER Uriel (Tenor)
KURT OLLMANN Adam (Baritone)
KURT MOLL Raphael (Bass)
Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Leonard Bernstein, conductor Read less

Works on This Recording

1. The Creation, H 21 no 2 by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performer:  Kurt Moll (Bass), Lucia Popp (Soprano), Thomas Moser (Tenor),
Judith Blegen (Soprano), Kurt Ollmann (Baritone)
Conductor:  Leonard Bernstein
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra,  Bavarian Radio Chorus
Period: Classical 
Written: 1796-1798; Vienna, Austria 

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review:  ( 2 Customer Reviews )
 Magnificent February 15, 2013 By Guy B. (Quebec, QC) See All My Reviews "A marvellous realisation.Such a music is so inspiring. The Video in such an environment as this beautiful church with a first-class orhcestra and solid solists, women and men lift up our hearts until the creator or all beauties." Report Abuse
 a top rate performance of one of the great chora May 7, 2012 By K. BAKER (HEBER CITY, UT) See All My Reviews "A few years ago the BBC polled 100 top conductors asking them who was the greatest conductor of all time. Bernstein was #2. Karlos Kleiber #1.

Bernstein had an affinity for Haydn, and this performance is the runaway winner among the currently available performances. Bernstein's affinity for Haydn is obvious. While the whole thing is outstanding, special praise goes to the first three tracks. The first track, "The Representation of Chaos" describes the void before god declares "Let their be Light". The Representation of Chaos is Haydn's most extended use of dissonance and both Haydn and Bernstein give us a lesson in how dissonance ought to be used in music.

The high point of the performance comes just after the hushed chorus sings, "let their be light". Bernstein's performance of Haydn's spectacular sonic recreation of the creation leaves all the others in the dust. The disk is worth buying just for this 30 seconds of spectacular sound.

The only shortcoming in Bernstein's performance is that Roland Bader's LaserLight recording with the Krakow Philharmonic is better and less than half the price. Trouble is, its out of print. So, buy the Bernstein and pray you some day come across a copy of the Bader. " Report Abuse
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