Written during the war, in 1940, while the composer was interned in a work camp, this piece has remained one of the most moving and popular creations by Olivier Messiaen. From solo to quartet, all instrumental combinations parade through the eight colourful episodes, giving the work a structure in the shape of a rainbow. This alludes to Saint John’s apocalyptic vision, which, in the midst of it all, struck Messiaen by its association of majesty and ethereal fluidity: “Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head.”

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Benjamin Dieltjens clarinette
George van Dam violin
Geert De Bièvre cello
Jean-Luc Fafchamps piano

Movements :
Liturgie de cristal
Vocalise pour l’Ange qui annonce la fin du Temps
Abîme des oiseaux
Intermède
Louange à l’éternité de Jésus
Danse de la fureur pour les sept trompettes
Fouillis d’arcs-en-ciel, pour l’Ange qui annonce la fin du Temps
Louange à l’immortalité de Jésus.