Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and celestial wonders with Olivier Messiaen's masterful composition, "Des canyons aux étoiles." This extraordinary album, released on August 26, 2022, under the Mirare label, is a testament to Messiaen's unique vision and his deep connection with nature and the cosmos. Comprising twelve orchestral movements arranged in three distinct groupings, this avant-garde classical work is a symphonic journey through the stunning vistas of the American Southwest and the mysteries of the night sky.
"Des canyons aux étoiles" was inspired by Messiaen's travels in Utah, where he was captivated by the rugged beauty of the canyons and the vibrant colors of the rock formations. Each movement is a vivid musical painting, from the stark desolation of "Le désert" to the ethereal beauty of "Les Orioles" and the cosmic wonder of "Appel interstellaire." The album features a rich tapestry of sounds, including the piano, horn, xylorimba, glockenspiel, and a full orchestra, all expertly conducted by Thierry Fischer and performed by the Utah Symphony.
The album's duration of 1 hour and 32 minutes allows for a deep dive into Messiaen's intricate compositions, each movement building upon the last to create a cohesive and awe-inspiring musical experience. Whether you're a fan of classical music or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, "Des canyons aux étoiles" is an album that will leave you spellbound.
2022 Mirare2022 Mirare
Tracks
Des canyons aux étoiles, Part 1: I. Le désertOlivier Messiaen, Orchestre de Chambre Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Jean-François Heisser, Jean-Frédéric Neuburger, Adélaïde Ferrière, Florent Jodelet, Takénori Némoto
Des canyons aux étoiles, Part 1: II. Les OriolesOlivier Messiaen, Orchestre de Chambre Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Jean-François Heisser, Jean-Frédéric Neuburger, Adélaïde Ferrière, Florent Jodelet, Takénori Némoto
Des canyons aux étoiles, Part 1: III. Ce qui est écrit sur les étoiles…Olivier Messiaen, Orchestre de Chambre Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Jean-François Heisser, Jean-Frédéric Neuburger, Adélaïde Ferrière, Florent Jodelet, Takénori Némoto
Des canyons aux étoiles, Part 1: IV. Le Cossyphe d'HeuglinOlivier Messiaen, Orchestre de Chambre Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Jean-François Heisser, Jean-Frédéric Neuburger
Des canyons aux étoiles, Part 1: V. Cedar Breaks et le Don de CrainteOlivier Messiaen, Orchestre de Chambre Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Jean-François Heisser, Jean-Frédéric Neuburger, Adélaïde Ferrière, Florent Jodelet, Takénori Némoto
Des canyons aux étoiles, Part 2: VI. Appel interstellaireOlivier Messiaen, Orchestre de Chambre Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Jean-François Heisser, Takénori Némoto
Des canyons aux étoiles, Part 2: VII. Bryce Canyon et les rochers rouge-orangeOlivier Messiaen, Orchestre de Chambre Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Jean-François Heisser, Jean-Frédéric Neuburger, Adélaïde Ferrière, Florent Jodelet, Takénori Némoto
Des canyons aux étoiles, Part 3: VIII. Les réssuscités et le chant de l'étoile AldébaranOlivier Messiaen, Orchestre de Chambre Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Jean-François Heisser, Jean-Frédéric Neuburger, Adélaïde Ferrière, Florent Jodelet, Takénori Némoto
Des canyons aux étoiles, Part 3: IX. Le moqueur polyglotteOlivier Messiaen, Orchestre de Chambre Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Jean-François Heisser, Jean-Frédéric Neuburger
Des canyons aux étoiles, Part 3: X. La grive des boisOlivier Messiaen, Orchestre de Chambre Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Jean-François Heisser, Jean-Frédéric Neuburger, Adélaïde Ferrière, Florent Jodelet, Takénori Némoto
Des canyons aux étoiles, Part 3: XI. Omao, Leiothrix, Elepaio, ShamaOlivier Messiaen, Orchestre de Chambre Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Jean-François Heisser, Jean-Frédéric Neuburger, Adélaïde Ferrière, Florent Jodelet, Takénori Némoto
Des canyons aux étoiles, Part 3: XII. Zion Park et la Cité CélesteOlivier Messiaen, Orchestre de Chambre Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Jean-François Heisser, Jean-Frédéric Neuburger, Adélaïde Ferrière, Florent Jodelet, Takénori Némoto
Olivier Messiaen, born in Avignon in 1908, was a titan of 20th-century music, renowned as a composer, organist, and teacher. His compositions are distinguished by a deep Catholic faith and a unique fascination with birdsong, which he studied extensively as an ornithologist. Messiaen's music is a blend of avant-garde and classical elements, often incorporating exotic rhythms and harmonies inspired by his love for nature and his spiritual beliefs. His influence on modern music is immense, and his works for organ are particularly celebrated. Messiaen passed away in Paris in 1992, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and scholars worldwide.
Vinylscout
Olivier Messiaen
