Hob Malaky

Six feather-light divertimenti by Joseph Haydn are presented by flutist Anna Zhitnukhina on her new GENUIN album. The works are miniature gems that deserve to be distributed more widely! Moreover, it is remarkable that the young flutist has recorded all six trios twice, one time on historical, one time on modern instruments, respectively. What becomes audibly apparent here is just how strongly the interpretation of each piece of music depends on the way it is approached as well as on the choice of instrumentation. Both versions offer clarity, elegance, and expression, yet all listeners will opt for the one or the other version according to their taste - a fascinating experiment!

Inspired by hearing performances of Handel’s oratorios during his visits to London, Haydn composed Die Schöpfung (The Creation) in 1798. Through a series of accompanied recitatives, arias, duets and choruses, the music depicts the creation of the universe and the carefree existence of Adam and Eve. Haydn drew on the full complement of his symphonic and vocal prowess which reach peaks of almost operatic intensity. With rich harmonies and sonic magnificence in abundance, Die Schöpfung represents the apex of the Viennese oratorio tradition. It’s a monumental composition with orchestrations of superb richness in which Haydn combines the splendour of classicism with the majesty of sacred music. Large choruses, a sense of momentum and music that's both powerful and refined accompany the listener through the various phases of the Bible‘s account of the Creation, from the explosion of the first light to the marvelous air of the creation of man.