Messiaen's "La Nativité du Seigneur" introduced a novel approach to rhythm, inspired by a 13th-century Sanskrit treatise listing 120 rhythms.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Messiaen's overriding aim for his musical work was "to be at the service of the dogmas of Catholic theology," believing theological subject matter to be the best.
Recording & Production
This is Richard Gowers's first solo recording and the first by an Organ Scholar to be released on King's College's own label.
Composition History
Messiaen composed "La Nativité du Seigneur" in the mountains near Grenoble during the summer of 1935.
Composer Biography
Olivier Messiaen, the composer, became Organiste Titulaire at the church of La Sainte-Trinité in Paris in September 1931 at the age of 22.
Cultural Impact
The final movement, "Dieu parmi nous," has gained vast fame partly due to its regular feature as the final voluntary in the worldwide annual broadcast of "A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" from King's College.
Performer Biography
Richard Gowers, the performer on this album, was an Organ Scholar at King's College, Cambridge, from 2014-2017.
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