After the searing intensity of Britten’s War Requiem, Gloucester Choral Society’s Summer concert presents a complete change of style and mood in Haydn’s Creation. Fanz Joseph Haydn was an eighteenth centry professional musician of great piety, a genial temperament and an irrepressible and irreverent sense of humour. All these qualities are evident in "Creation".

Haydn lived a long life and this work is the product of his maturity. In an uncertain world (The work was written only a few years after the French revolution convulsed Europe) he understood the significance of stability and order. Lovers of English poetry will recognise the Miltonic lyric style and poetic forms but will also notice curious phrases where German syntax has survived the re-translation. Hence "the wonder of his works displays the firmament" rather than the other way round.

Haydn wrote "When I think of God, my heart is so full of joy that the notes dance and leap from my pen…" With its beautiful melodies, glorious choruses and evocative orchestration we are taken on a biblical journey from chaos through the creation of light, the earth, the seas, animals and finally man. In a summer lacking a Gloucester Three Choirs Festival this is a musical journey which aught not to be missed.

Andrew Nethsingha’s choirs perform to meticulously high standards. Soloists are Ruth Holton, whose clear, pure, soprano is well know to Gloucester Cathedral audiences, Allan Clayton (tenor) and William Clements (bass) and the orchestra is the Regency Sinfonia..

Tickets are available priced £15, £12 or £5 From: Concert Manager, 11 The Hedgerow, Longlevens, Glos. GL2 9JE (sae Please), Audiosonic in Westgate Street or at the door.