While the orchestra started off a bit reedy in tone I think
that “in the beginning” there probably wasn’t as much moisture as was presented
to us during the passing storm system.
The first soloist began the oratorio with skill and direction. Then the magic happened – the chorus burst
forth proclaiming “Let there be light.” Seventy voices sang as one. I had
goose bumps which continued throughout the program.
Eliza Rubenstein, the Chorale and Orchestra’s artistic
director, magnificently provided this experience. True to the original concept, Rubenstein even
managed to bring a fortepiano into the church.
In a program footnote, we were told that the fortepiano, the most
immediate ancestor of the modern grand piano, is smaller in size and lighter in
touch than today’s instruments. This
particular fortepiano was built in 1825 by Broadwood & Sons piano factory
in London, the same company who rented Haydn a similar instrument for the
London premiere of The Creation in 1800.
Rubenstein also provided insightful commentaries alongside the
recitatives and arias.
While George Frideric Handel’s oratorio Messiah (containing
the well-known Alleluia chorus) is probably performed more often and with a
massive number of voices and instruments; Handel composed it rather more simply
and it has taken on a new persona. The
Creation, however, was this weekend, performed as it was written by Haydn and the
beautiful noise resulting came from the performers’ love of the music. If you missed it, bookmark the group’s
website so you can be in line for their next joyful noise. http://www.longbeachchorale.org/
For additional information on the composer, a full
description of the work and other information Wikipedia is an excellent
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Creation_(Haydn)