Haydn, (Johann) Michael: the Creation (LPO Audio CD)

JOSEPH HAYDN (1732 – 1809)


Lucia Popp - soprano (Eva, Gabriel)

Anthony Rolfe - Johnson tenor (Uriel)

Benjamin Luxon - baritone (Adam, Raphael)

David Nolan - leader


London Philharmonic Choir, Richard Cooke - chorus master

London Philharmonic Orchestra/ Klaus Tennstedt


Haydn composed this supreme choral masterpiece late in his career. The libretto, is based on the biblical story of Genesis and on Milton’s Paradise Lost. In ambition and scale The Creation was without precedent in Haydn’s output and the thrill of the first light, the gentle humour of the animals, the brilliance of the choruses and the sheer exuberance of Haydn’s concept are vividly brought to life in this recording under the direction of Klaus Tennstedt.

Klaus Tennstedt’s tenure as Principal Conductor and Music Director of the London Philharmonic Orchestra is commonly regarded as one of the most effective and creative partnerships in European musical history. For ten years before illness stifled his career Tennstedt presided over performances with the Orchestra which achieved extraordinary levels of atmosphere and public acclaim. In this recording, which conveys that atmosphere, the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s recently established label continues to highlight relationships with great conductors past and present.


What the press said:

'...splendidly fresh and incisive singing from the chorus ....'

'a first-rate team of soloists - Lucia Popp, Anthony Rolfe Johnson and Benjamin Luxon - a powerful kinship emerged ...'

Edward Greenfield, The Guardian 1984


'The voices of the three soloists blended superbly in the terzettos and in the Adam and Eve duet - Luxon and Popp - after they had impersonated with relish and tenderness the roaring lion and the dove's cooing coloraturas.'

Peter Stadlen, The Telegraph 1984


London Philharmonic Orchestra 2cds LPO0008