Messiaen's Musical Universe DVD

Just in time for Christmas, Messiaen's Musical Universe has just been released by Fugue State Films. This 2-DVD set has wonderful performances by Tom Bell of Le banquet céleste, La Nativité du Seigneur, Messe de la Pentec?te and Livre du Saint-Sacrement on the magnificent organ at Blackburn Cathedral. That's around 180 minutes of music captured in surround sound. The performances are accompanied by four 50-minute films exploring Messiaen's life and music presented by Tom and myself at locations including Sainte Trinité, Messiaen's summer house in Petichet, Grenoble and Felix Aprahamian's house, with additional input from Thomas Lac?te (one of the current organists at the Trinité), Carolyne Schuster Fournier (former choir organist at the Trinité) and David Aprahamian Liddle.

Making the films was hard work, but had some amazing moments, not least, getting to play Messiaen's piano at Petichet, as well as having plenty of time to wander in the meadow around the house, soaking up the atmosphere of this extraordinary place. Thanks to the indefatigable crew of Simon Still and Philip Barnard, the film captures something of what makes this place so special. Bravo to Will Fraser for pulling it all together and, especially, hats off to Tom for his marathon set of performances. You can order your copy of the DVDs direct from Fugue State Films or places like Presto Music.

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