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The Worlds of Gilbert and Sullivan

Uriel's sparkling recitative from Franz Joseph Haydn's The Creation introduces us to one of most glorious oratorio choruses. Can you guess the name of the chorus? To find the answer: double click the gold band below. But no cheating, have a go first . . .

This wonderfully worded and scored recitative is almost like a miniature aria. We in MusicSmiles love the imagery of the libretto as much as we admire the music. It is traditionally a tenor recitative, but don't let that inhibit you. Enjoy yourself. You've never sung a recitative? Well you have a treat in store! Be dramatic (not too much, don't overdo it!)

We have included both English and German words in the certainty that experts would agree that both are equally attractive. Students of German grammar please comment. The musical notation relates to the English words, there are minor differences to fit the German. But, don't let this put you off. Have a go at either (or both) . . .

In Splendour Bright the Sun is Rising Now
(15 bars Orchestral Introduction)

In splendour bright is rising now the sun
In vollem Glanze steiget jetzt die Sonne 
And darts his rays;
strah-lend auf
An am'rous, joyful, happy spouse,
Ein won-ne-vol-ler Bräu-ti-gam
A giant proud and glad
Ein Rie-se stolz und froh
To run his measured course.
Zu ren-nen sei-ne Bahn.

With softer beams and milder light
Mit lei-sem Gang und sanf-tem 
Steps on the silent moon
Schim-mer schleicht der Mond
Thro, silent night.
Die stil-le-Nacht hin-durch.

The space immense of th'azure sky
Den aus-ge-dehn-ten Him-mels-raum
In num'rous host of radiant orbs adorns,
Ziert oh-ne Zahl der hel-len Ster-ne Gold,
And the sons of God announced the fourth day
Und die Söh-ne Got-tes ver-kün-dig-ten den vier-ten Tag
In song divine,
Mit himm-li-schem Ge-sang,
Proclaiming thus - his power:
Sei-ne Macht aus-ru-fend  -  al-so:

We follow this with the Trio and Chorus: 

It is probably the most famous chorus in the repertoire: Die Himmel erzählen Have you guessed the English title yet? IF NOT, click the gold band below!

TheHeavensAreTelling

Fasten your seatbelts for a space ride second to none!! Remember that the horse was the only means of locomotion (apart from Shank's Pony or boat) in that period. The stars and planets were a little-known source of wonder. Space flight, and even terrestrial flight was far in the future.

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