Haydn: The Creation
Robert  Shawis so dependable a guide  to the masterpieces of the choral repertory that it's safe to say you  can't go wrong in turning to him  forHaydn's greatest work for voices. That's true even in a field crowded with  solid alternatives geared to differing tastes. So if you want Haydn's  original German text ("Die Schöpfung"), there are excellent  performances byvon Karajan on DGandWöldike on Vanguard;  for the same, with an extra dash of exuberance, there's Solti on  London. If only original instruments will suffice,  tryGardiner on Archiv. But for aCreationin English (using Shaw's own superior  translation), Shaw rules the roost. It's also the best-recorded  version; when the big choruses let loose, this is an audiophile's  delight. The soloists are never less than adequate, though no match for  von Karajan's starry cast. Shaw's interpretation hews the fine line  between drama and lyricism; his middle-of-the road stance lets the  music speak eloquently for itself. Even if you have a German-language  version, this set will give joy and insights.--Dan Davis