The Heavens Are Telling

"The Heavens Are Telling" is one of the most glorious and recognizable choruses from Franz Joseph Haydn’s great oratorio, The Creation. In the choir loft, this piece is a thrilling challenge and a true joy to sing. It captures the majesty of the cosmos praising its Creator, moving from the bright, declarative opening of the full choir into the more intricate, conversational passages of the soloists—traditionally representing the archangels Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael. Singing this requires a choir to be attentive and unified, especially as the contrapuntal lines weave together in the later sections.

We often bring this out for major celebrations, choral concerts, or festive liturgical moments where a grand expression of praise is needed. The way the music builds—layering the voices as they sing of the firmament and the resounding word of God—creates a massive wall of sound that lifts the entire congregation. It demands stamina and precision from every voice part, but when those final, triumphant chords ring out, it leaves everyone in awe of the divine majesty it describes.