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Messiaen's From the Canyons to the Stars...

The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic Orchestra is joined by conductor Ludovic Morlot, pianist Steven Osborne and horn player Martin Owen for Messiaen's shimmering 'Des canyons aux Γ©toiles...'

Monumental mysticism radiates from Olivier Messiaen's 'Des canyons aux Γ©toiles...'. Commissioned to commemorate the bicentenary of the American Declaration of Independence, the French composer visited the United States seeking inspiration. He found it in the National Parks of Utah, and the wild canyons of the desert are a perfect partner for Messiaen's powerful spirituality. "... it is above all a religious work, a work of praise and contemplation" he writes. Whilst there he noted down the songs of the birds and was struck by the colours of the rocks "all possible varieties of red, of orange and of violet..." and these impressions form a tangible physical bedrock to the music.

French conductor Ludovic Morlot has this music in his blood and is joined by Steven Osborne, one of the greatest exponents of Messiaen's music, and virtuoso horn player, Martin Owen.

From the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Presented by Tom McKinney

Olivier Messiaen: Des canyons aux Γ©toiles...

Martin Owen (horn)
Paul Patrick (xylorimba)
Tim Williams (glockenspiel)
Steven Osborne (piano)
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic Orchestra
Ludovic Morlot (conductor)

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23 days left to listen

2 hours, 14 minutes

Music Played

  • Olivier Messiaen

    From the Canyons to the Stars

    Performer: Tim Williams. Performer: Paul Patrick. Performer: Martin Owen. Performer: Steven Osborne. Orchestra: Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic. Conductor: Ludovic Morlot.
  • CΓ©sar Franck

    Violin Sonata

    Performer: Geneva Lewis. Performer: Sam Armstrong.
  • Gabriel FaurΓ©

    FaurΓ©: Barcarolle No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 26

    Performer: Kathryn Stott.
    • FaurΓ©: The Complete Music for Piano.
    • Hyperion.
    • 1.

Broadcast

  • Last Thursday 19:30