Creation in Oberlin, first time in years

Haydn's masterpiece to be performed Sunday

On Sunday night Oberlin will celebrate the coming of the new millennium by performing a piece that is 200 years old. Hugh Ferguson Floyd will conduct the 200 plus member Oberlin Musical Union and the Oberlin Chamber Orchestra in a presentation of Joseph Haydn's "The Creation."

The Oberlin Musical Union is the second oldest continuously existing musical ensemble in the country.

Comprised of members from the community, singing alongside students of the college and conservatory of music, the ensemble performs one major concert a semester, usually focusing on very large scale works for orchestra and chorus.

The selection of "The Creation" this semester commemorates the 200th anniversary of the piece's composition, which launched Joseph Haydn into international fame and owes part of its massive popularity to its role in the excitement surrounding the coming of the new century in 1798.

The piece, which was originally performed by ensembles of more than 200 musicians has not been heard in Oberlin for 10 years.

Haydn's use of tone-paining to present the Biblical story of the creation of the world, has allowed the piece to be regarded in the center of repertoire for orchestra and chorus. The piece's evocative and memorable pictorial language demonstrates the genius of Haydn's compositional mastery.

Hugh Floyd, in his second year as conductor of the Oberlin College Choir and the Oberlin Musical Union, will conduct the ensembles on Sunday night. "For a choral conductor, Haydn's "Creation" stands alongside Handel's "Messiah" and Mendelssohn's "Elijah" as towers of the repertoire.

The text from Milton and the Bible is timeless and dramatic. Haydn expanded the orchestra of his day to express his ideas particularly for the growing general concert attending public. Today it is every bit as popular. No words can describe the excitement of working with over 250 people to participate in Haydn's masterpiece," said Floyd.

In addition to the well-prepared chorus, the story is presented by seven outstanding soloists. Sopranos Ariadne Votava, Erika Tolano, and Charity Johnson will share the role of the angel Gabriel. Tenor Daniel Paget, will sing the role Uriel. Baritones Michael Chipman and Valentin Lanzrein, will sing the role Raphael, and the roles of Adam and Eve will be sung by Daniel Okulitch and Alyson Cambridge.

Haydn's masterpiece, "The Creation," will be performed Sunday at 8:00 pm in Finney Chapel. Admission is free.