On First Hearing Haydn’s “Creation”
St George’s Hall
21 March 2026
Enfolded in the golden glittering glow of the concert hall,
we sat entranced by softly sweeping orchestral chords.
Then, chorale, tenor, soprano, baritone
swept us away in soaring sounds,
proclaiming Light and the birth of creation.
Scriptural song blended with Milton’s verse
as joyful, haunting harmonies rang clarion clear
in the early spring evening.
Choir, orchestra and soloists created the dazzling vision.
While Raphael, Gabriel and Uriel sang,
aerial war was waging in the Middle East
cradle of creation.
Weapons, not angels, winging their way,
drones of destruction bringing devastation and death,
mutilating creation so lovingly lauded in angelic song.
What help is there for the bereaved and bereft?
Only the wounded healers
limping among them,
lamps lit with the flickering Light of hope
Live Adventurously 