Review of Haydn’s Creation By Andrew Wicker MA

ON SATURDAY, May 13 a large and appreciative audience eschewed the Eurovision Song Contest in favour of a much more sublime evening of music performed by the Fairford and District Choral Society.

The gathered throng filled St Mary’s Church, Fairford for a performance of Haydn’s Creation featuring not only the choral society but a small orchestra and three vocal soloists.

“The Creation” by Joseph Haydn is one of the great oratorios in the classical music canon and rightly features regularly in the repertoire in many of the country’s choral societies.

Taking inspiration from the Biblical account of the creation of the world, the oratorio, over three parts, presents the creation of the heavens and earth; the creation of living creatures; and the joy of Adam and Eve in exploring the creation.

Although a fairly well-known work, it presents challenges for both the choir and soloists.

The three soloists were each featured extensively throughout. The Baritone, Owain Browne, provided a warm and authoritative performance throughout demonstrating why he has been featured at the BBC Proms. The Soprano, Charlotte Newstead, particularly excelled in ‘On Mighty Pens’ bringing to life the different birds featured in this aria with ease.

A special mention must be made of the Tenor, James Edgeler. Drafted in only on the morning of the concert due to the indisposition of the booked soloist, this nineteen year-old choral scholar of Gloucester Cathedral sang with confidence throughout.

James’s performance of the aria ‘In native worth and honour clad’ had a lovely sense of shaping to the phrases showing great potential in this young voice.

The standard achieved by the choral society was equally impressive. The intonation of the choir was especially well-maintained due the whole work; not an easy achievement in a non-auditioning, amateur choir.

The balance between the four parts was sustained during the performance with the sopranos working hard in the face of a more numerous alto section!

The choir demonstrated great dynamic contrasts and clear diction throughout. Good balance was also achieved between choir and orchestra with the Bristol Ensemble delivering an assured accompaniment.

The performance was held together remarkably well by the conductor Marysia Gorska. The chorus, ‘Awake the Harp’ with its vivace tempo marking and complicated contrapuntal texture can have a tendency to race away but was in this performance kept well-controlled.

As an audience member, albeit one with experience of conducting and performing with choirs, it was obvious through her conducting of the choir, that Marysia has trained the choir in technique as well as teaching them the music.

Overall the performance did true justice to Haydn’s wonderful and uplifting music leaving this audience member pleased to have attended.