Out of chaos, came The Creation.

        With music director James Conlon on the podium, Haydn's pictorial oratorio was a glowing beginning to the 128th May Festival Friday night in Music Hall. Although there were some empty seats — whether because of Friday's downpours or recent unrest in the city — 2,500 showed up to welcome this rite of spring that is unlike any other in the country.

        A trio of excellent soloists told the creation story: soprano Pamela Coburn, a former Cincinnatian, and bass-baritone Kristinn Sigmundsson communicated the text winningly in their festival debuts. Tenor John Aler, long a festival favorite, conveyed the work's joy with his usual persuasiveness, and the May Festival Chorus made glorious sounds in the choruses.

        Mr. Conlon led the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, reduced to classical proportions, with attention to style, articulation and balance. The famous depiction of chaos at the opening had an aura of mystery; it was well paced, and the strings' fast bows, with little vibrato, added a note of authenticity.

        In general, tempos were flexible and unrushed. The orchestra was understated at times, but blazed away in the bigger moments.

        The text of The Creation, inspired by the Old Testament and Paradise Lost, was sung in German.

        Making her Cincinnati debut, Ms. Coburn radiated a genuine quality and warm personality as the angel Gabriel, and as Eve in Part III. Projecting a voice of both richness and agility, she brought stylish inflection to her aria, “With verdure clad,” and charming, bird-like ornamentation to “On mighty pens.”

        Equally impressive singing came from Mr. Sigmundsson, who made a masterful Raphael (and later, Adam). He navigated the wide-ranging aria “Rolling in Foaming Billows” seamlessly and with stunning color.

        Mr. Aler's expressive tenor complemented the others. Their ensembles were truly memorable for their balance and unity of inspiration.

        Haydn's debt to Handel is most obvious in the choruses. From the first burst on the word “Licht” — (and there was) light — the chorus, prepared by Robert Porco, was disciplined and focused.

        “The heavens are telling” was a vibrant conclusion to Part I; the choral singing was consistently balanced and fugues were crisp.

        Mr. Conlon was an animated leader, balancing the more intimate moments against the glorious choruses, and capturing Haydn's tone painting appealingly in the orchestra. The winds in particular made nuanced contributions. Harpsichordist Michael Chertock and bass James Lambert aided the soloists with their alert basso continuo accompaniment.

        The May Festival continues today in the Isaac M. Wise (Plum Street) Temple. Tickets: 381-3300.
       

Go ahead, fool Mother Nature
Tips for outdoor furniture
Garden gloves go easy on hands
Border annuals are perennial favorites
Concert review: May Festival
Get to it