The crystal liturgy, Olivier Messiaen
Deceased in 1991, Messiaen is hailed throughout the world as the major composer of the second half of the twentieth century. His work cannot be dissociated from his composition classes at the Conservatoire National de Paris, given over a period of forty years and attended by three generations of musicians from all over the world.
Type (Documentaire / Documentaire fiction / Série documentaire)DocumentaryGenre en anglaisArts & Culture CollectionComposersDirected by Olivier MilleWith the support of Sacem, Procirep, CNC Year2002Duration57min
Shot during the master classes he gave in the Charterhouse of Villeneuve-les-Avignon during the Avignon Festival in July 1987, this documentary draws an extremely lively and engaging portrait of the artist.
The director will delve into the major themes of his compositions and, while catching the master unawares at his work table, will bring out for us the development, virtuosity and humour of his musical thinking.
With unimitable style and language, Messiaen talks, explains, plays.
Musicians of great renoun such as Seiji Ozawa, kent Nogano and Yvonne Loriod will play a number of extracts from his concertos.
Press coverage
Director Olivier Mille paints a very complete portrait that, through the skill of its construction and the harmony of its shots, constitutes an authentic film.
Télérama
A self-portrait of the composer that takes us to the roots of his work.
Télé Ciné Obs
While it fascinates many rock and electronic musicians (…), the work of Olivier Messiaen is often considered hermetic to the general public. The great merit of Olivier Mille's documentary (…) is to bring it closer to us, preferring the music and the words of the man over commentary.
Les Inrockuptibles
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