Arun Choral Society is currently hard at work rehearsing for our next concert, Haydn’s The Creation, which we will perform in the stunning setting of Arundel Cathedral at 7.30pm this Saturday 21 October 2023. Dr Joe Paxton will be directing, and we are delighted to be joined by the 40-piece Sinfonia of Arun and three superb soloists Jess Wise (soprano), Dominic Lee (tenor) and Owain Gwynfryn (bass). Tickets are on sale now from www.wegottickets.com/arunchoralsociety or via email at boxoffice@arunchoralsociety.co.uk.
With only 5 days to go before we perform The Creation, here’s the final instalment of our membership secretary Dee’s fascinating blog for your interest and enjoyment. We look forward to seeing you at our performance on Saturday!
☜ Go to the previous instalment of Dee’s blog here
The Joy of Creating the Universe: Haydn’s The Creation
PART 3
On the morning of the seventh day, Uriel sings about the beautiful dawn whilst the first humans, Adam and Eve, walk hand-in-hand admiring the beauty of the world all around them. The chorus of angels agrees and remind them that this is all thanks to God “for ever blessed be his power”.
Adam then sings enthusiastically about the stars and the bright sun, and the angels again interrupt and instruct the sun to praise God whilst on its course through the sky. Eve then sings about the moon and stars, and Adam sings about the “mighty elements” and the “dusky mists and dewy streams”. The angels again remind the two to praise the name of God our Lord: “great his name, and great his might”. Eve praises the plants and fruits, and Adam praises the huge variety of animals and birds. They then both extol all the creatures to praise the Lord. The angels join in too and encourage every living thing to praise their God who created them.
Now that they have sung God’s praises, Adam invites Eve to follow him and offers to be her guide. Eve meekly accepts. They sing a lovely duet of love, acknowledging that enjoyment of this lovely place is only possible with the other by their side. Everything is perfect, yet Uriel strikes a small warning note that they will only stay happy “if not misled by false conceit” or if they “more desire to know, than know ye should”!
But the dark shadow of evil quickly passes by the couple unnoticed, as they only have eyes for the beauties of the Garden of Eden. The chorus of angels invite all to: “Sing the Lord, ye voices all. Magnify his name thro’ all creation. Celebrate his power and glory, let his name resound on high. Praise the Lord. Utter thanks. Jehovah’s praise for ever shall endure. Amen! Amen!”
And God said, “Let there be beauty!” And there was music! Not my words, but how true this is, whenever we listen to inspiring music such as is found in Haydn’s magnificent The Creation!
If you have enjoyed reading this blog and are feeling inspired, why not come and join us at Arun Choral Society and learn to sing this wonderful work and many other amazing works? Or alternatively, come and enjoy listening to this inspiring work at our concert at 7.30pm on Saturday 21 October 2023 at Arundel Cathedral!
Deirdre Tilbury, Membership Secretary, Arun Choral Society 2023
Tickets for Arun Choral Society’s performance of Haydn’s The Creation are now on sale from www.wegottickets.com/arunchoralsociety or via email at boxoffice@arunchoralsociety.co.uk.