Just back from The Creation, tired out.
Haydn's, that is, done in a Melbourne church which has high on one wall the
sword of General Sir Harry Chauvel who was mighty in the Great War and for 24
years a faithful server (or some such) in Christ Church, South Yarra.
Tired because though Haydn is said to have been inspired by Handel, we didn't
note any singable melodies.
And the libretto!
In London he was given a libretto (for chorus, Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael, Adam and
Eve) based on Paradise Lost book 7.
In Vienna this was translated into German, this version then translated back
into English very badly.
'Since then, many librettists and conductors have tried their hand at improving
the text, in which Milton is only dimly discernible.'
Samples:
Now chaos ends, and order fair prevails. Affrighted fly hell's spirits black in
throngs: down they sink in the deep of abyss to endless night.
Despairing, cursing rage attends their rapid fall.
A new-created world springs up at God's command.
And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth; and God
blessed them, saying, be fruitful all, and multiply. Ye winged tribes, be
multiplied, and sing on every tree; multiply, ye finny tribes, and fill each
watery deep...
... creatures numberless, in perfect forms, and fully grown. Cheerful, roaring,
stands the tawny lion. With sudden leap the flexible tiger appears. ....
Unnumbered as the sands, in swarms arose the hosts of insects. In long dimension
creeps, with sinuous trace, the worm.
Adam and Eve are evoked thus:
... in his eyes with brightness shines the soul, the breath and image of his
God. With fondness leans upon his breast the partner for him formed, a woman,
fair and graceful spouse. Her softly-smiling virgin looks, of flowery spring the
mirror, bespeak him love, and joy, and bliss.
Ye purling fountains, tune His praise; and wave your tops, ye pines.
Adam and Eve sing their mutual bliss.
Uriel:
O happy pair! and happy still might be if not misled by false conceit.
Ye strive at more than granted is; and more desire to know, than know ye should.
But Haydn doesn't go into this.
Chorus: Sing etc ... magnify ... celebrate ... praise ... Utter thanks. Amen.
Memo to self: read PL 7, and recover.
Max
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