The Heavens Are Telling (from The Creation): 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo
From The Creation
Words and music by Franz Joseph Haydn / arr. Russell Robinson
Level: Moderate
Item: 00-PO-0002714
$2.95
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Description
The tradition of easy-to-sing editions of classic choral repertoire continues with this new setting of Franz Joseph Haydn's remarkable chorus from The Creation. Bring great repertoire within the realm of your developing choirs with this new Russell Robinson edition.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Belwin Festival Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0002714
More about this title
About the Composer: Franz Joseph Haydn
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) stands as one of the most prolific and influential composers of the Classical era. His nearly 70 years of compositional work shaped the development of the symphony, string quartet, and oratorio, establishing formal structures that composers still follow today. His Creation, composed late in life, represents the culmination of his mastery and remains one of the most performed large-scale choral works in the repertoire.
Haydn's gift for melody and his ability to craft music that is both intellectually sophisticated and genuinely accessible make him an essential voice in choral education. The Heavens Are Telling captures his talent for setting joyful, singable text to music of real substance, making it a natural choice for developing choirs encountering the masterworks.
Why we love this
Russell Robinson's arrangement opens the door to genuine masterwork literature without compromise. This is not a simplified version that dilutes Haydn's voice; it is a thoughtful reduction that preserves the harmonic richness and melodic beauty of the original while fitting the voices and rehearsal time your developing choir actually has. The text painting and structural elegance of the original chorus shine through completely.
What to expect
This chorus glows with Renaissance-like clarity and joy. Haydn's text setting feels natural and singable even as the harmonic language remains sophisticated, creating a sense of celebration and confidence. The rising phrases and open sonorities invite singers into a musical experience that feels both accessible and genuinely elevating.
Who it's for
Directors of grade 3 mixed choirs, chamber choirs, and developing ensembles who want to program genuine Classical literature without waiting for advanced sight-reading skills or maturity. This works equally well for middle school programs and high school choirs new to three-part writing.
How to get the most out of it
- Conduct with clear articulation on "The heavens are telling" to help singers shape the opening phrase with natural projection. Haydn's text deserves clean consonants without forcing tension into the voice.
- Balance the inner harmony parts carefully during rehearsals; sopranos will carry the primary melody, but the alto and bass lines contain important harmonic movement that anchors the sound. Isolate these parts before full rehearsals.
- Honor the dynamic contrast marked in the score. The return of material after contrasting sections gains power through genuine changes in volume and intensity, not just repetition.
How to use it
Pair this with other sacred literature from the Classical era to build a concert devoted to masterworks at accessible levels. It works beautifully as a centerpiece offering that lets your developing ensemble demonstrate real artistic maturity. Consider programming it early in the year when you want to build ensemble confidence and enthusiasm for choral singing.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and performing three-part mixed voicing (SAB)
- Sustaining longer melodic phrases in homophonic and independent voice textures
- Responding to harmonic function and cadential structure in Classical music
- Text expression and diction in English sacred music
- Balance and blend within changing voice distributions across ensemble