• The Creation (1798) and The Seasons (1801) are two works of unique artistic excellence. In them Haydn combined the theatrical gestures of Handel's oratorios with elements of his own symphonic style.

• Both The Creation and The Seasons represent the fulfilment of a long-held aspiration – to write music for all people, not just the aristocracy. Few other musical works have attained so much popularity by virtue of their images of nature and emotions. The two oratorios crown the Classical period and at the same provide previews of the Romantic period.

Sir Roger Norrington received great reviews from his performance of this at last year’s BBC Proms: “[Norrington’s pace was] measured, lending a grandeur and spaciousness to the big fugal choruses and responding acutely to the music’s integral colour and character.” The Telegraph