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Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)

Information about the composer Olivier Messiaen and his operas.

A French composer and organist.

Operas:

Saint François d'Assise (Saint Francis of Assisi)

Messiaen's only opera is a massive impressive religious work of over four and a half hours, with many echoes of his other works. It consists of eight tableaux, each recording a stage in the life of the saint.

Synopsis

The opera describes eposides in the life of St. Francis: he teaches his fellow friars, heals a leper, encounters an angel, gives a sermon to the birds, hears the sound of Christ, and finally receives the Stigmata and dies.

Recommended recordings on CD

Nagano/Upshaw/Dam (DG 20/12 445 176-2)

445 176-2

Recorded live in the 1998 Salzburg festival, this is highly recommended for those willing to make the effort.

Arnold Schoenberg Choir, Hallé Orchestra, conducted by Kent Nagano, 1998.

Cast: Dawn Upshaw (L'Ange), José van Dam (Saint François), Chris Merritt (Le Lépreux).

DG 20/12 445 176-2

Buy on CD:
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Recommended recordings on DVD

Metzmacher/Tilling/Gilfry (Opus Arte OA 1007 D)

OA 1007 D

Recorded at a live performance at Het Muziektheater, Amsterdam, 2008, the orchestra is positioned in the centre of the stage with the action occurring around it. It's an effective production, with excellent performances.

Hague Philharmonic Orchestra, Chorus of De Nederlandse Opera, conducted by Ingo Metzmacher, 2008.

Cast: Camilla Tilling (L'Ange), Rod Gilfry (Saint François), Hubert Delamboye (Le Lépreux).

Opus Arte OA 1007 D

Buy on DVD:
Amazon.com