Messiaen: St. Francis of Assisi - Act II Scene 6

A 4-hour French opera in 3 acts & 8 scenes by composer & librettist Olivier Messiaen, written from 1975 to 1983. This is the première performance in 1983, conducted by Seiji Ozawa with the orchestra & chorus of the Théâtre national de l'Opéra de Paris, José van Dam as St. Francis.
The opera is set in 13th century Italy. Throughout the work one must see the progress of grace in the soul of Saint Francis.
Act II Scene 6 - The Sermon to the Birds
Messiaen's love for birds factored heavily into the opera's score. The composer traveled to the saint's native Assisi, as well as New Caledonia, to research and record birdcalls of several local species, later transcribing them into melodies for use as musical themes attached to particular characters.
Messiaen's full orchestration requires a vast number of musicians, to name a few, 7 flutes (3 picc + 3fl + 1 alto fl) 7 clarinets (2 Eb Cl + 3 Cl + 1 B.Cl + 1 Contrabass Cl), 3 Ondes Martenot, etc. and 100-voice choir in 10 parts

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Olivier
• Messiaen
• St.
• Francis
• Assisi
• Catholic
• Christ
• Cross
• Stigmata
• Bible
• Seiji
• Ozawa
• Paris
• National
• Theatre
• José
• van
• Dam

[mrmoosefilosa]

completely Brilliant! Hard to believe that people can come to terms with having their civil rights curtailed in the guise of patriotism,but cannot come to terms with 20th century music in the 21st century.Sad,really.

[FraGilesMary]

Absolutely Stupid!

[juanmaMCMLXXXII]

Que chistoso y original el que dice: "suena casi tan bien como mi orquesta calentando antes de un concierto" ¬¬

[sirmercutio99]

It reminds me a lot when my backyard is full of Starlings. They sound very loud and varied.

[violinbird]

Hey, this sounds almost as good as when my orchestra warms up before a performance. :)

[JusticeConstantine]

Thank you for posting Messiaen's Opera. -Justice Constantine

[borjon23]

Thank you for posting; it's wonderful!

[borjon23]

I find this is much more crashingly dissonant than on the Hallé Orchestra recording. I think I might prefer this.

[bpdvorak1]

Pretty annoying music

[sirmercutio99]

@sirmercutio99 the mountains and valleys for your refuge and the high trees whereon to make your nests; and because ye know not how to spin or sow, God clotheth you, you and your children; wherefore your Creator loveth you much, seeing that He hath bestowed on you so many benefits; and therefore, my little sisters, beware of the sin of ingratitude, and study always to give praises unto God."

Saint Francis of Assisi - c 1220