Prom 13 – Des Canyons Aux Etoiles

Part of the BBC Proms.

The ?wild and colourful beauty’ of Utah and Arizona was the inspiration for one of the 20th century’s most singular and extraordinary works, a musical act of ?praise and contemplation’ painted in the brightest and most vivid of sounds. Olivier Messiaen’s mighty Des canyons aux etoiles… (‘From the Canyons to the Stars…’) is a sonic meditation in which birdsong mingles with desert winds, and the rustling of sand. Sakari Oramo conducts the BBC SO, with pianist Nicolas Hodges and horn player Martin Owen taking the demanding solo parts.