Description
Following the remarkable success of his recent series of London Symphonies, Haydn returned to Vienna, where he was celebrated across Europe as the preeminent master of both the symphony and the quartet. However, his career was far from finished. As he approached the age of seventy, the esteemed composer responded to the accolades with a final surge of creative vigor. Motivated by the performances of Handel he had witnessed in London, Haydn directed his efforts towards the composition of oratorios and masses, culminating in a splendid conclusion to his prolific career with his last masterpiece, The Seasons, which he completed at the age of sixty-nine.
According to Grove's Dictionary, Haydn "put much of his greatest music into his oratorios," a statement that is clearly reflected in the bold and innovative character of The Seasons. This work is imbued with a sense of freshness and originality, influenced not only by his experiences in London but also by the enduring impact of his close friend Mozart. The captivating melodies of the chorus and soloists are never overshadowed by the orchestration; rather, they are beautifully complemented by a score that achieves an unparalleled balance of expression and refinement.
The text of The Seasons, adapted from a well-known nature poem by James Thomson, conveys a secular appreciation for nature that aligns perfectly with the oratorio format. It was adapted and translated by Gottfried van Swieten, who had also collaborated with Haydn on his earlier oratorio, The Creation. Today, The Seasons continues to be regarded as a profoundly dramatic work that captivates musicians and scholars alike.
This edition, reproduced from the authoritative C. F. Peters publication, is complete and features the most frequently performed English translation directly beneath the German text in the score. Both vocalists and instrumentalists will find it to be an affordable and invaluable resource for their collections, while music scholars will appreciate this high-quality reproduction of the final work from a truly influential genius.
