First, I have to start with an apology; that it has taken me so long to purchase this superb set.

This is the most enjoyable Creation I have ever heard (including the various merits of "period" vs. modern instruments of the likes of Gardiner or Karajan). It is incredibly well played and sung, so much so that the opening Representation of Chaos sounds almost ordered! Well that's not quite true, but so well rehearsed are the Capella Augustina that the "oddities" sound natural. The Chaos reduces to something approaching a very subdued order before "In the beginning..." steals in and the moment where light appears is absolutely overwhelming; the room pulsates with energy!

In general, tempi are quick which gives Haydn's miraculous music a sense of wonder, vividly conveyed by all concerned. The "Marv'lous work beholds amaz'd" is just that - marvellous singing. That is not to say that arias like "With verdure clad..." are rushed, just that they never drag. Even the recitatives have a missionary zeal about them but never to the extent that words are garbled.

The recording is superb, everything very clear but not dry. The soloists are nicely fresh, and whilst not completely erasing memories of singers like Wunderlich (who could?), this is a much more appropriate conception for today - light tone but beautiful and accurately rendered.

All the way through, the Capella Augustina are magnificent. The opening to "Rolling in foaming billows" really does give the impression of turbulent waters and other musical effects that Haydn writes into the score are given their full due, without attracting attention to the players.

In the same way, the articulation of the chorus is a joy to the ear; just sample "Awake the harp" or "The heavens are telling..." for an example of the marvellous singing, which is replicated in "The Lord is Great" in part two. The real hero of the set (after Haydn of course) has to be Andreas Spering - what inspirational direction and results he draws from his players and singers. A plea to Hyperion, Harmonia Mundi, Channel Classics or Pentatone - please sign him up and record more of this repertoire!

The only negative things I can find to say about this quite superb set are the facts that texts are not included (but they can be downloaded from Naxos' website) and that the second part is split over the two discs - it could easily have been accommodated on either without a break.

In summary: great music, great performances all round, great sound - buy it! But don't complain if you find it hard to stop thinking about this excellent set!

(Purchased)

Copyright © 2006 John Broggio and HRAudio.net

Performance:

Sonics (Stereo):

Sonics (Multichannel):