Composer

:

Olivier Messiaen

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1988 - 1992

Average_duration

:

66:26

Movement_count

:

11

Movement ....

Olivier Messiaen's "Eclairs sur l'au-delá, I/61" is a monumental work that was composed between 1987 and 1991. It was premiered posthumously in 1992, after Messiaen's death in April of that year. The work is divided into nine movements, each of which explores different aspects of the afterlife and the divine. The first movement, "Apparition du Christ glorieux" (Apparition of the Glorious Christ), is a grand and majestic opening that sets the tone for the entire work. It features a massive organ solo that represents the appearance of Christ in all his glory. The second movement, "La constellation du Sagittaire" (The Constellation of Sagittarius), is a more subdued and contemplative piece that explores the idea of the stars as symbols of the divine. The third movement, "L'oiseau-lyre et la ville-fiancée" (The Lyrebird and the City-Bride), is a playful and whimsical piece that features a solo for the ondes Martenot, an electronic instrument that Messiaen frequently used in his later works. The fourth movement, "Les élus marqués du sceau" (The Chosen Ones Marked with the Seal), is a powerful and dramatic piece that features a choir singing in Latin. It represents the idea of the chosen ones being marked with the seal of God. The fifth movement, "Demeurer dans l'amour..." (To Dwell in Love...), is a serene and meditative piece that explores the idea of dwelling in the love of God. The sixth movement, "Les sept anges aux sept trompettes" (The Seven Angels with the Seven Trumpets), is a massive and apocalyptic piece that features a full orchestra and choir. It represents the idea of the end of the world and the final judgment. The seventh movement, "Et Dieu essuiera toute larme de leurs yeux..." (And God Will Wipe Away Every Tear from Their Eyes...), is a gentle and comforting piece that represents the idea of God wiping away the tears of his people. The eighth movement, "Les étoiles et la gloire" (The Stars and the Glory), is a grand and majestic piece that features a massive organ solo. It represents the idea of the stars as symbols of the glory of God. The final movement, "Plusieurs oiseaux des arbres de Vie" (Several Birds from the Trees of Life), is a joyful and celebratory piece that represents the idea of the redeemed being gathered together in the presence of God. Overall, "Eclairs sur l'au-delá, I/61" is a monumental work that showcases Messiaen's unique musical language and his deep spirituality. It is a fitting testament to one of the greatest composers of the 20th century.

More....