La Transfiguration de Notre-Seigneur Jesus-Christ

Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) is known for his unique composition style. Incorporating complex rhythms, harmony, melodies and his passion for ornithology, his La Transfiguration De Notre-Seigneur Jésus-Christ for Choir, Seven solo instruments and Orchestra is no exception to the composer’s popular, distinctive style.

Composed between 1965-1969, La Transfiguration De Notre-Seigneur Jésus-Christ is based on the account of Jesus’ Transfiguration, found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. The work requires a huge 200 performers and with 14 movements, a typical performance lasts about an hour and a half. La Transfiguration De Notre-Seigneur Jésus-Christ incorporates Messiaen’s popular compositional techniques, such as his modes of limited transposition, and the use of birdsong. Texts are largely based on the Bible. La Transfiguration De Notre-Seigneur Jésus-Christ is essential to all advanced musicians seeking to expand and vary their ensemble repertoire on a large-scale.