Haydn’s ‘Creation:’ Which Libretto, Which Language

Bruce Chamberlain
Spring 2023
Wednesdays |  
10 AM - 12 PM (AZ Time)
February 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2023
Course Format: Hybrid
Location: Main Campus
Tuition: $135

Attend In Person OR Online

Haydn’s Creation is considered one of his greatest achievements and is undoubtedly a masterwork of the choral/orchestral oratorio tradition. The original English libretto is shrouded in mystery and Haydn needed it translated into German for his purposes. Therefore, modern performances of this beautiful music must contend with either using Haydn’s German libretto, since the original English libretto does not work so well with Haydn’s music, or using one of now several newly formulated English translations/versions. Course participants will be “enlightened” about the origins of the genre of oratorio and its development through the end of the 18th century, culminating in a detailed exploration of the music, and a newly formulated libretto of Haydn’s Creation in modern English that will be presented by True Concord Voices and Orchestra.

Hybrid Course Format

  • All classes will be delivered in-person and online via live video streaming. Students will enroll in their preferred format during registration.
  • In-Person classes will be held in the Rubel Room at the University of Arizona’s Poetry Center (1508 E Helen St, Tucson, AZ 85721). Enrollment for in-person classes is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. All student enrolled to attend in person also have complete online access and may choose to attend one or all class sessions remotely if desired.
  • Online students may attend all classes via live video streaming and will be able to participate in all course Q&A sessions with the professor in real time. A high-speed internet connection and a device capable of running Zoom are required to connect. Online access will be password protected and only available to enrolled students.
  • Class Recordings – All HSP classes regardless of format are recorded and available for every enrolled student to watch for the duration of the course and one month after the last class session. This option is offered to aid students who may be unable to attend the live class times but desire to enroll and participate asynchronously. We hope this option also aids students who are traveling or have an important appointment that conflicts with a class session to stay connected and engaged with the course material.

Registration Will Open Online:
Monday, NOVEMBER 21, 2022, at 8 AM (AZ Time)

Required Reading

Nicholas Temperley, Hayden The Creation, Cambridge University Press

Meet Your Instructor

Professor Emeritus

Bruce Chamberlain is a Professor Emeritus of Music, was the Director of Choral Activities for 18 years, and Associate Director of the Fred Fox School of Music. In addition, he is the founding director of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Chorus and an HSP presenter in 2017 on the four early ballets of Igor Stravinsky.

Location

POETRY CENTER
Dorothy Rubel Room
1508 E Helen
Tucson, AZ 85721
United States

Located on the SE corner of Helen Street and Vine Avenue, one block north of Speedway and three blocks west of Campbell Ave.

Street map image of Poetry Center

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