Jon Gillock - Olivier Messiaen: Le banquet céleste / La nativité du Seigneur (2020)

I invite you to join me in a musical-spiritual journey, to meditate with Messiaen (and me) on the religious texts that he chose and which inspired him to compose these works. Although the inspiration for this music definitely comes from Catholic-Christian teachings, I also believe that through the universal language of music Messiaen’s music transcends this and also speaks of a universal spiritual truth. As with any great work of art, it can be interpreted on many different levels: I hope that each of you will be able to find the proper way for it to speak to you.

It is also interesting to remember these words of Messiaen himself regarding his music: “I’m a Christian . . . and I think that in the present age of ecumenism - and, furthermore, in every era - we shouldn’t attach too much importance to religious differences. Everyone - Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant Christians, Israelites, even Buddhists - is seeking God, finding God. My work is addressed to all who believe - and also to all others.”

The soundscape: As in the other CDs in this series, the volume level has not been equalized. Therefore, the listener may experience the true dynamic range of this music that Messiaen asks for. Thus, it is important to find the listening level from the beginning, and then stay with that throughout. There are many quiet movements, which should be very quiet, and then, when the overwhelming moments arrive, they are very powerful indeed. - Jon Gillock