While Antonio Vivaldi illustrated the seasons purely instrumentally in 1725, Joseph Haydn lets people have their say. In his oratorio, three protagonists, supported by the choir and orchestra, tell of life in the countryside. Inspired by the great success of his oratorio »The Creation«, Joseph Haydn set about setting Baron Gottfried van Swieten’s libretto, based on James Thomson’s epic poem »The Seasons«, to music in 1799.
Although Haydn struggled with the text and was plagued by health problems, the oratorio, which celebrated its successful premiere in Vienna on 24 April 1801, gives no indication of all the difficulties he faced. The work is divided into four parts, corresponding to the actual seasons – spring, summer, autumn and winter. Three vocal soloists represent the rural people described. The often illustrative and tone-painting composition includes a hunting song with French horn sounds, a raging storm, a choral prayer for a rich harvest and a wine festival celebrated by the farming community.
PERFORMERS
Hamburger Oratorienchor choir
Symphoniker Hamburg orchestra
Lea Bublitz soprano
Michael Connaire tenor
Dávid Csizmár bass
Thekla Jonathal director
PROGRAM
Joseph Haydn
Die Jahreszeiten
