The Seasons, first performed in 1801, was written as a sequel to The Creation and has received equal critical acclaim ever since. In music full of vitality, colour and humour, Haydn vividly evokes the seasonal changes both in nature and village life – brilliantly depicting the villagers as they flee from summer storms, hunt, dance and drink (excessively!) at harvest time, spin and tell stories by the fire in the desolation of winter.
Finally, in a magnificent climax amidst brass fanfares, Haydn takes us beyond the earthly seasons to a vision of ‘unbounded Spring, and everlasting happiness’ in heaven after death.
We are delighted to welcome as our soloists Helen Massey (soprano), Paul Smy (tenor) and Alan Fairs (bass). We are also joined by the Orchestra of Stowe Opera, and are conducted by Robert Secret, Music Director of Oxford Harmonic Choir
