HAYDN. THE CREATION

About the concert

Concert Program: Joseph Haydn – Oratorio “Die Schöpfung” / “The Creation”, Hob. XXI:2 Performers: Liatoshynskyi Capella, conducted by Vincent Kozlovskyi Every score by Haydn ended with the inscription Laus Deo — “Praise be to God” or Soli Deo Gloria — “Glory to God alone.” In The Creation, these words seem to sum up the composer’s entire creative journey. In response to a letter from 1802 expressing admiration for The Creation, Haydn wrote: “Often, when I struggled with various obstacles… a mysterious voice would whisper to me: ‘There are so few happy and contented people in this world; sorrow and grief accompany them everywhere; perhaps your work will become a source from which those weary with cares… may, for a time, draw peace and comfort.’” Haydn’s hopes were fully realized during his lifetime. In our skeptical and uncertain age, we can still take joy—perhaps with a touch of nostalgia—in Haydn’s flawless optimism, expressed in one of the most enchanting and life-affirming musical works ever written.