Die Schopfung (The Creation)

"Günter Wand's years with the Gürzenich Orchestra of Cologne, lasting from the Second World War up to 1974, predate those of his international fame, but it was with this ensemble that he won himself a respected position in German musical life. Listening to these three discs it is not hard to hear how. Made for the subscription-only label Club Français du Disque during the late 1950s and early 1960s, they capture performances which bear testimony to careful preparation and meticulous classical spirit. Though not a composer with whom Wand was widely associated, Haydn is revealed here as one who could inspire in him energy and brightness....Wand's Creation was highly thought of in its time, and again the reasons are obvious enough. Back in 1963 this must have seemed a performance of exceptional clarity, with Wand showing a fine feeling for the music and driving it forwards with energy, sound understanding and careful attention to detail. 'The Representation of Chaos' is ethereally atmospheric, and the only exception to his faultless tempo selection is a sluggish 'Nun scheint im vollem Glanz'. Modern-bred ears will no doubt find the continuo playing stodgy - giant harpsichords and long-held cello notes no longer being the norm - and the soft-centred choral sound falls a long way short of today's accepted standards, but no one could fail to delight in the lucidly intelligent solo contributions of Theo Adam and a young Peter Schreier."
(Gramophone)