Olivier Messiaen's "Des canyons aux étoiles" is a monumental work that blends the grandeur of the American landscape with the intricate beauty of birdsong, a theme central to Messiaen's compositional style. Released in 2002 under Deutsche Grammophon, this avant-garde classical album spans an impressive 92 minutes, divided into three parts and twelve tracks. Each piece is a vivid musical depiction of the natural wonders of the American Southwest, from the vast deserts to the majestic canyons, all under the vast, star-studded sky.
Messiaen, known for his deep spiritual and naturalistic inspirations, weaves together orchestral textures with precise imitations of bird calls, creating a soundscape that is both ethereal and deeply rooted in the natural world. The album features performances by the London Sinfonietta, conducted by David Atherton, showcasing the ensemble's virtuosity and the conductor's sensitive interpretation of Messiaen's complex score.
"Des canyons aux étoiles" is not just a collection of pieces but a cohesive journey through sound, where each track builds upon the last, culminating in a profound musical experience. The album's title translates to "From the Canyons to the Stars," reflecting Messiaen's awe of the natural world and his ability to translate that awe into music. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or new to Messiaen's work, this album offers a unique and enriching listening experience.
Des canyons aux étoiles, Pt. 1: I. Le désertOlivier Messiaen, Roger Muraro, Jean-Jacques Justafré, Francis Petit, Renaud Muzzolini, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Myung-Whun Chung
Des canyons aux étoiles, Pt. 1: II. Les OriolesOlivier Messiaen, Roger Muraro, Jean-Jacques Justafré, Francis Petit, Renaud Muzzolini, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Myung-Whun Chung
Des canyons aux étoiles, Pt. 1: III. Ce qui est écrit sur les EtoilesOlivier Messiaen, Roger Muraro, Jean-Jacques Justafré, Francis Petit, Renaud Muzzolini, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Myung-Whun Chung
Des canyons aux étoiles, Pt. 1: IV. Le Cossyphe d'HeuglinOlivier Messiaen, Roger Muraro
Des canyons aux étoiles, Pt. 1: V. Cedar Breaks et le don de crainteOlivier Messiaen, Roger Muraro, Jean-Jacques Justafré, Francis Petit, Renaud Muzzolini, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Myung-Whun Chung
Des canyons aux étoiles, Pt. 2: VI. Appel insterstellaireOlivier Messiaen, Jean-Jacques Justafré
Des canyons aux étoiles, Pt. 2: VII. Bryce Canyon et les rochers rouge-orangeOlivier Messiaen, Roger Muraro, Jean-Jacques Justafré, Francis Petit, Renaud Muzzolini, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Myung-Whun Chung
Des canyons aux étoiles, Pt. 3: VIII. Les Ressuscités et le chant de l'étoile aldébaranOlivier Messiaen, Roger Muraro, Francis Petit, Renaud Muzzolini, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Myung-Whun Chung
Des canyons aux étoiles, Pt. 3: IX. Le moqueur polyglotteOlivier Messiaen, Roger Muraro
Des canyons aux étoiles, Pt. 3: X. La grive des boisOlivier Messiaen, Roger Muraro, Jean-Jacques Justafré, Francis Petit, Renaud Muzzolini, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Myung-Whun Chung
Des canyons aux étoiles, Pt. 3: XI. Omao, leiothrix, elepaio, shamaOlivier Messiaen, Roger Muraro, Jean-Jacques Justafré, Francis Petit, Renaud Muzzolini, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Myung-Whun Chung
Des canyons aux étoiles, Pt. 3: XII. Zion Park et la cité célesteOlivier Messiaen, Roger Muraro, Jean-Jacques Justafré, Francis Petit, Renaud Muzzolini, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Myung-Whun Chung
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