The work premiered at Lincoln Center in New York on November 20, 1974, with Frederic Waldman conducting the Musica Aeterna Orchestra and Yvonne Loriod, Messiaen's wife, at the piano.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Olivier Messiaen described "Des canyons aux étoiles…" as "first of all a religious work: of praise and contemplation," aiming to glorify God through music.
Composition History
The work was commissioned by Miss Alice Tully of New York for the American Bicentennial, after Messiaen was charmed by her love for animals.
Recording & Production
This recording was made at the Théâtre Auditorium de Poitiers, whose auditorium is known for having one of the best acoustics in Europe.
Compositional Technique
The orchestral setup for "Des canyons aux étoiles…" is unique, featuring 43 instruments including only 13 strings, a solo piano, and a 'geophone' invented by Messiaen.
Compositional Technique
Messiaen, an ornithologist, included over fifty bird species in the score, such as the Elepaio, the Ōma'o, and the Wood Thrush, some of which are now endangered.
Composition History
Messiaen decided to focus the work on the canyons of Utah after researching geography books, believing them to be among the world's grandest marvels.
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