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Fact file
Composer | Messiaen, Olivier (1908-1992) |
Period | 20th century |
Year | 1964 |
Work type | Orchestral |
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Gardner and the LPO set a solemn tone with Messiaen and Schoenberg

The London Philharmonic strikes a somber note as Edward Gardner explores themes of resurrection and transfiguration in the Royal Festival Hall.
Restless commemoration from Benjamin and London Sinfonietta

A programme of new music and 20th-century classics reflects on loss, war, inhumanity and redemption.
Prom 69: Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and Riccardo Chailly play Messiaen and Mahler
Two fine concerts from Riccardo Chailly’s Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra filled part of the space between end-of-season Proms from the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonics. They brought Mendelssohn of refinement and poise to Prom 67 and dark, fateful thrust in Messiaen and Mahler for Prom 69.
LSO play Bruckner
Three enormous ear-splitting tam-tams were employed in Messiaen’s Et Exspecto Resurrectionem Mortuorem, the largest being truly gigantic, maybe 10ft (3m.) in diameter. When we reassembled after the interval to hear the LSO perform Bruckner’s 9th symphony, this massive tam-tam was still centre-stage, at the back lowering over the orchestra.
LSO's giant tam-tams shake and roll with Rattle
This evening’s programme of Messiaen and Bruckner ought to have come with a health warning beforehand – caution: not for the fainthearted. Following on from Strauss’ Death and Transfiguration last month, the LSO’s programming seems to be continuing in a similar vein, with this concert united by the theme of death and religious conviction.