Awake The Harp

When a Nigerian choir prepares for a major concert or a grand festive celebration, classical oratorio choruses often take center stage. "Awake The Harp" is a brilliant, energetic chorus from Joseph Haydn's famous oratorio, The Creation. This particular score opens with the brief tenor recitative, "And the heavenly host proclaimed the third day," setting the scene before the full choir bursts into the main chorus.

The music is an invitation to pure, resounding praise. The sopranos lead the charge, calling on the harp and lyre to wake up and let a joyful song resound. As the piece unfolds, the voices weave together to declare how the mighty God has clothed both heaven and earth in stately dress. It is a demanding piece that requires tight vocal control, especially in the fast, repeating runs where the different harmony parts echo one another.

For choir directors and singers, mastering a classical piece like this brings a deep sense of accomplishment. We often hear it during special choir anniversaries, diocesan music festivals, or grand celebrations where the choir loft is packed. The sheer momentum of the final "Awake the harp" section leaves both the singers and the audience uplifted, carrying the joy of creation in every note.