POSTPONED: Joseph Haydn »Die Jahreszeiten«

Haydn’s oratorio »The Seasons« is one of the highlights of the choral/symphonic repertoire. After the overwhelming success of his »Creation«, the composer – by then almost 80 years old – wrote the last of his four oratorios, in which he once again demonstrates all his mastery in this two-hour work. In addition to vivid scenes in the tavern or on a hunt, the work features musical settings of natural events such as the transition from winter to spring, and a summer storm, which may well remind listeners of Beethoven’s »Pastorale«. Catchy, folk-like melodies such as »Landmann« stand in contrast to serious and reflective passages about the transience of all life. Three Viennese soloists, two Hamburg choirs and the Elbipolis Barockorchester playing on period instruments bring Haydn’s masterpiece to life under Thomas Dahl.