Spotlight on ... Joseph Haydns »Die Schöpfung« at Choral Concert I

Find out more here about Joseph Haydn's monumental oratorio »Die Schöpfung«, which will be performed twice on the stage of the Großes Festspielhaus as part of Choral Concert I.

Details from Michelangelo's famous fresco in the Sistine Chapel: »The Creation of Adam«.

Between the Old Testament and the Enlightenment

Under the baton of Daniel Harding, Soprano Hanna-Elisabeth Müller, Tenor Andrew Staples and Baritone Konstantin Krimmel, together with the Berliner Philharmoniker and the Bavarian Radio Chorus, bring forth the creation of the Earth before the mind’s eye of the audience, day by day. A work whose thematic foundation is drawn from the Old Testament and which simultaneously celebrates the dawn of the Age of Enlightenment.

That Haydn struck the spirit of his time with this oratorio was evident as early as its 1798 premiere at Vienna’s Schwarzenberg Palace under his baton. Contemporary witnesses report extraordinary enthusiasm – such as the Swedish composer Johan Fredrik Berwald, who wrote: »Between the sections of the performance, thunderous applause broke out each time. During the sections, there was deathly silence. At the end of the performance, some cried: ‘We want Papa Haydn!‹«.

To the Choral Concert I

»And in that moment when light broke out for the first time, one would have said that rays were hurled forth from the composer’s burning eyes. The enchantment of the electrified Viennese was so general that the orchestra could not proceed for some minutes.«

Fredrik Samuel Silverstolpe on the world premiere of »Die Schöpfung«

3 Questions for Konstantin Krimmel

Joseph Haydn’s oratorio »Die Schöpfung« is considered one of the great masterpieces of music history. What fascinates you most about this work, and what do you think gives it its timeless appeal?

Konstantin Krimmel: What I find fascinating is the musical portrayal of the biblical story of creation. That’s also why it’s timeless — because this story endures and is continually retold. It is also timeless due to its magnificent musical realization and the many metaphors in the story that could just as easily come from today.

In 2026, you will make your debut at the Salzburg Easter Festival. What significance does this appearance hold for you, both artistically and personally?

Konstantin Krimmel: Salzburg itself is, of course, something very special. Being allowed to sing here is like being knighted. And on top of that, it’s practically around the corner from Munich, where I live. You save the long journey and yet find yourself in a completely different world. There is magic in Salzburg.

This will be the first time you perform with the Berliner Philharmoniker. What expectations and sense of anticipation do you associate with this encounter?

Konstantin Krimmel: Making music with the Berliner Philharmoniker is simply wonderful — such a splendid and unique orchestra. I’m very much looking forward to it. Performing a work like this is teamwork; every single person matters. Becoming part of the history of this incredible orchestra is a great honor for me.

Read the full interview here

Biography
Daniel Harding

Biography
Konstantin Krimmel

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