Haydn "Die Schöpfung" (The Creation) with Günter Wand

[Lance]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com ... SX355_.jpg
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com ... SX355_.jpg

Jeannette van Djick, soprano; Peter Schreier, tenor; Teo Adam, bass
Gurzenich Orchestra & Choir of Cologne; Günter Wand, conductor

Strange, I never paid much attention to Günter Wand until the last several months or so. I was, of course, quite aware of his existence. I have discovered some fine collaborations with the conductor and his orchestra(s). The most recent find is his 1963 recording of Haydn's Creation made in Germany originally on the Accord label. It has been available on the Testament label SBT2 1363 since 2004.

To be continued ... [added] maybe not to be continued. Trying to write about this in the wee hours of the morning doesn't do what it should. Nonetheless, I want to recommend this version of The Creation. Wand is in great control of the massive assemblage and the acoustics and recording quality for that time is very good.

[Lance]

Never got around to updating the thread. It was merely an endorsement for this excellent two-CD set from Testament.

[Lance]

So, in your mind, whose recording is considered the very best of The Creation? The ones I have on hand (it's ludicrous, I know!)

•Sony - Vivarte Collection, Tafelmusik, Weil
•Sony - NYP, Bernstein
•Decca - AcademyAncient Music, Hogwood
•Decca - Royal PO, Dorati
•Decca - Vienna PO, Munchinger
•DGG - Berlin Philharmonic, Markevitch
•DGG - English Baroque Soloists, Gardiner
•DGG - Berlin PO, von Karajan
•DGG - Berlin Philharmonic, Bernstein
•DGG - Berlin Philharmonic, von Karajan (complete w/Wunderlich, live, I believe) [another without Wunderlich)
•DGG - Berlin Philharmonic, J. Levine
•EMI/Electrola - Stuttgart Radio Symphony, N. Marriner
•Philips - Bavarian Radio Orchestra, E. Jochum
•Testament - Gurzenich Orchestra, G. Wand
•Disky - Berlin Symphony Orchestra, K. Forster
•Helicon - Israel Symphony Orchestra, Z. Mehta (live)
•Phonographe - Vienna Philharmonic, C. Krauss
•Telarc - Atlanta Symphony orchestra, R. Shaw
•Vox - Ludwigsburg Festival Orchestra, W. Gonnewien
•Vox - Vienna Volksoper Orchestra, J. Horenstein

Crazy to have so many, but the soloists make a difference. Love the work!