Joseph Haydn: Sing the Lord, Ye Voices All for brass sextet

Joseph Haydn: Sing the Lord, Ye Voices All from ‘The Creation’

Joseph Haydn: Sing the Lord, Ye Voices All from ‘The Creation’ for brass sextet

Paul Krzywicki arranged Haydn’s Sing the Lord, Ye Voices All from ‘The Creation’ for brass sextet (2 Trumpets in C, Horn in F, Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba) in 2019. The arrangement is originally meant to be payed on euphonium as one of the low brass instruments. However it could also be played on two trombones and tuba in addition to the trumpets and horn. It is a great addition to the limited repertoire of brass sextets. A really good piece for any church performances or recitals.

The story of Joseph Haydn’s ‘The Creation’

The Creation (German: Die Schöpfung) is an oratorio written between 1797 and 1798 by Joseph Haydn. It is considered by many to be one of his masterpieces. The oratorio depicts and celebrates the creation of the world as described in the Book of Genesis.

The libretto was written by Gottfried van Swieten. The work is structured in three parts and scored for soprano, tenor and bass soloists, chorus and a symphonic orchestra. In parts I and II, depicting the creation, the soloists represent the archangels Raphael (bass), Uriel (tenor) and Gabriel (soprano). In part III, the bass and soprano represent Adam and Eve.

Inspiration to compose

Haydn was inspired to write a large oratorio during his visits to England in 1791–1792 and 1794–1795. This is the time when he heard oratorios of George Frideric Handel performed by large forces. As a result it is likely that Haydn wanted to try to achieve results of comparable weight, using the musical language of the mature classical style. In the meanwhile among the Handel works Haydn heard was Israel in Egypt, which includes various episodes of tone painting. In conclusion, perhaps Handel’s work was an inspiration to Haydn’s own pervasive use of this device in The Creation.

The premiere

The first public performance took place at Vienna’s old Burgtheater at the Michaelerplatz on 19 March 1799. In short the concert was sold out far in advance. After that Die Schöpfung was performed nearly forty more times in the city during Haydn’s life. Certainly the work became a favourite of the Tonkünstlersocietät. A charitable organization for the support of widows and orphans of musicians. Haydn frequently conducted the work often with very large ensembles, throughout the remainder of his career. The Creation premiered in London in 1800. However, using its English text, at Covent Garden. The oratorio was published with the text in German and English in 1800.