Haydn’s Creation was a groundbreaking work in its time, remarkable for its ingenious and original use of the orchestra, most significantly to describe the scene of ‘Chaos’ before the beginning of the Book of Genesis. The entire work is full of delight. Great whales, sunrise, the rolling seas – even leaping tigers – are evoked in a fantastic and imaginative tapestry of sound in one of the greatest ever oratorios.

EPSG:4326

Haydn’s The Creation at Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral

The sentiments expressed in the soprano’s opening aria – “Prepare the paths… Messiah approaches!”- will be quite familiar to British audiences in the Christmas period as it draws from the same biblical passage as the opening numbers of Handel’s Messiah. Bereitet die Wege, bereitet die Bahn! is a beautifully reflective piece designed to ready the faithful for the seasonal celebrations.

William Gaunt

Events

Upcoming events

Dec 14, 2025

Bach, the Universe & Everything: December 2025 · Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

Past events

Nov 4, 2023

Haydn’s The Creation at Canterbury Cathedral · English Chamber Orchestra

Future and recently performed repertoire

Singer in Bereitet die Wege, bereitet die Bahn! by Bach

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

Singer in Ave Maria by Papa

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

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