Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Olivier Messiaen's avant-garde classical compositions with the album "Messiaen: L’Ascension, Le Tombeau resplendissant, Les Offrandes oubliées, Un sourire." Released on September 27, 2019, under the Alpha Classics label, this album is a testament to Messiaen's unique musical vision and his profound influence on contemporary classical music.
The album features the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, conducted by the esteemed Paavo Järvi, delivering a powerful and evocative performance of Messiaen's works. The pieces included in this collection span a range of moods and themes, from the solemn and reflective to the triumphant and transcendent.
"Le Tombeau resplendissant" opens the album with a haunting and introspective meditation, while "Les Offrandes oubliées, méditation symphonique" offers a poignant and deeply moving exploration of loss and remembrance. "Un sourire" brings a moment of warmth and tenderness, showcasing Messiaen's ability to convey deep emotion through his music.
The centerpiece of the album is "L'Ascension, quatre méditations symphoniques," a four-movement work that captures the spiritual and mystical aspects of Messiaen's compositions. Each movement offers a different perspective on the theme of ascension, from the majestic and regal to the joyous and exultant.
Recorded in January and April 2019 at the Tonhalle Maag Zürich, this album captures the full power and beauty of Messiaen's music, performed by one of the world's finest orchestras. Whether you are a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the enduring genius of Olivier Messiaen.